Etymology: Aster: from the Greek aster, "a star," describing the radiate heads of the flowers
Plants: erect, perennial, 1/2' - 4' tall forb, stems mostly hairy, often in lines near the top
Leaves: usually lower leaves stalked, with heart-shaped bases, sharply toothed, obvious veins, the lower side hairy; upper tapering to a winged stalk and often toothless
Flowers: head 1" -1 1/2" wide with 12-25 blue rays, loose bracts (phyllaries) slightly spiraling; inflorescence usually less than 50 heads in open, branched clusters
Habitat: woods, clearings
Conservation Status: Native
- Leaf bases cordate

- Leaf margins toothed

- Petioles prominently winged

- Underside of leaves sparsely pubescent, not sand papery (vs. S. drummondii)

- Hairs in lines on upper portion of stems only (vs. S. drummondii)

- Rays blue (vs. S. urophyllum)

- Inflorescence open, with many branches

- Most similar to: S. urophyllum, but w/ blue rays and a more open inflorescence

- Leaf bases cordate

- Leaf margins toothed

- Petioles prominently winged

- Underside of leaves sparsely pubescent, not sand papery (vs. S. drummondii)

- Hairs in lines on upper portion of stems only (vs. S. drummondii)

- Rays blue (vs. S. urophyllum)

- Inflorescence open, with many branches

- Most similar to S. urophyllum, but w/ blue rays and a more open inflorescence

Flora of North America: Flora of North America 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