Etymology: Aster: from the Greek aster, "a star," describing the radiate heads of the flowers
Plants: erect, perennial, 1 1/2' - 4' tall forb; stems with the upper half usually densely hairy
Leaves: hairy below, shallowly-toothed, mostly oval to lance-like with heart-shaped bases on long winged stalks
Flowers: head 1"-1 1/2" wide with 10-20 blue rays, bracts (phyllaries) somewhat loose; inflorescence of many heads in conical, branched clusters
Habitat: clearings, open woods

- Leaf bases cordate,

- Leaf margins toothed

- Petioles prominently winged

- Leaves sparsely pubescent, not sand papery (vs. S. drummondii)

- Stems mostly hairless or hairs in lines (vs. S. drummondii)

- Rays white (vs. S. ciliolatum), discs yellow turning maroon

- Inflorescence narrow, branches ascending

- Most similar to S. ciliolatum

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 4 USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Vascular Plants: Photos, descriptions, information