Etymology: Aster: from the Greek aster, "a star," describing the radiate heads of the flowers
Plants: erect, perennial, 2'-3' tall forb
Leaves: mostly toward the bottom of the stem, thick, stiff, usually entire, lower leaves on long, often winged stalked, base usually heart-shaped, upper surface rough; upper leaves lance-like, stalkless but not clasping
Flowers: head 3/4"-1 1/3" wide with 10-25 blue to pink rays; bracts (phyllaries) with short, dark, diamond-shaped tip; inflorescence loose, branched cluster; blooms Aug.-Oct.
Habitat: full to partial sun; dry to moderate moisture; prairies, meadows; in sandy, loamy soil
Conservation Status: Native

- Leaf margins entire

- Only lower leaves with (occasionally winged) petioles (vs. S. shortii)

- Lower leaves cordate but upper not

- Leaves sand papery rough on both surfaces from dense short hairs (vs. S. shortii)

- Rays sparse, wide, light purplish-blue

- Phyllaries glabrous (vs. S. shortii)

- Most similar to S. shortii

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 5 Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Vascular Plants: Photos, descriptions, information Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key