Smooth Aster (Aster laevis)

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER

Smooth Aster Aster laevis L. (COMPOSITE FAMILY) Smooth aster is an erect, glabrous perennial 1-3 ft tall with simple to somewhat branched, slender stems arising from a short rhizome. The alternate leaves are simple, clasping the stem, lanceolate, and reduced above. The inflorescence is of numerous heads in an open panicle. The ray florets are blue to bluish-purple and the disk yellow. The fruit is a glabrous achene. Smoke from burning the entire plant has been used to treat fainting and comas.