Aromatic Aster (Aster oblongifolius)

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER

Aromatic Aster (Aster oblongifolius Nutt. ) (COMPOSITE FAMILY)

Aromatic aster is an erect, highly branched perennial 6-18 in. tall arising from creeping rhizomes. The stem and leaves are covered with short hairs. The alternate leaves of the primary stems are oblong to lance-oblong and sessile, 3/a-1 in. long. Short axillary stem branches with small linear leaves appear as the plant matures. The inflorescence is a panicle of head flowers 3/4-1 in. across. The ray florets are violet to bluish-purple and the disks yellow. The fruit is a small silky achene. This plant is similar to heath aster but has fewer and larger heads.