Family: Asteraceae
smooth aster, smooth blue aster
[Aster laevis f. amplifolius L., more...]
Merel R. Black
Merel R. Black
University of Wisconsin - Madison (WIS-VP)
Etymology: Aster: from the Greek aster, "a star," describing the radiate heads of the flowers
Plants: erect, perennial, 1'-3' tall, usually hairless, waxy forb; stems reddish; usually from short rhizomes
Leaves: mostly along the stem, thick, stiff, larger leaves less than 5 times as long as wide, stalkless to clasping
Flowers: head 2/3"-1" wide with 15-30 blue to purple rays, bracts (phyllaries) with a long, dark-green tip; inflorescence with a few to many heads in open clusters; blooms Aug.-Oct.
Fruits: dry, smooth seed often with a reddish, fluffy pappus
Habitat: full to partial sun; dry to moderate moisture; prairies, woods; in sandy, loamy soil
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: erect, perennial, 1'-3' tall, usually hairless, waxy forb; stems reddish; usually from short rhizomes
Leaves: mostly along the stem, thick, stiff, larger leaves less than 5 times as long as wide, stalkless to clasping
Flowers: head 2/3"-1" wide with 15-30 blue to purple rays, bracts (phyllaries) with a long, dark-green tip; inflorescence with a few to many heads in open clusters; blooms Aug.-Oct.
Fruits: dry, smooth seed often with a reddish, fluffy pappus
Habitat: full to partial sun; dry to moderate moisture; prairies, woods; in sandy, loamy soil
Conservation Status: Native
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 6 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 University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Vascular Plants: Photos, descriptions, information Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key
Merel R. Black
Kenneth J. Sytsma
Merel R. Black
Merel R. Black
Kenneth J. Sytsma
