Etymology: Aster: from the Greek aster, "a star," describing the radiate heads of the flowers
Plants: erect, perennial, 8"-24" tall forb; clustered, brittle, wiry stems
Leaves: pale greenish, very silky, entire, lance-like to oblong
Flowers: head 3/4"-1" wide with 15-25 violet to purple rays; inflorescence of several to many heads in widely-branched, open clusters near the ends of the branches; blooms Aug.-Oct.
Habitat: sun; dry; prairies, cliffs
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 8 Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Vascular Plants: Photos, descriptions, information 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. Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key