Heath Aster (Aster ericoides)

SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER

Heath Aster (Aster ericoides L. ) (COMPOSITE FAMILY)

Heath aster is a rhizomatous perennial with highly branched, slender stems 1-2 ft tall which may be erect or somewhat prostrate. The stem and leaves are covered with short hairs. The alternate leaves of the primary stems are linear and sessile, 3/4-1 in. long. Short axillary stem branches with small linear leaves appear as the plant matures. The inflorescence is a panicle with clusters of many flowers appearing racemose. The ray florets of the small composite head (1/4 in. across) are usually white, but may be pink-tinged. The anthers of the disk florets give the disk a yellow color. The fruit is a small, silky achene.