Calico Aster
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum
(formerly Aster lateriflorus) |
 Other common names:
One-sided Aster, Small White Aster, Starved Aster, White Woodland Aster
Other scientific names:
Aster lateriflorus, Aster diffusus, Aster vimineus, Solidago lateriflora
French names:
Aster lateriflore
Family:
Composite Family (Asteraceae)
Group:
Asters
Distinctive features:
Long horizontal branches. Sparse flowers.
Similar species:
•
Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides) - Leaves much smaller and more numerous, flowers very numerous.
•
Arrow-leaved Aster (Symphyotrichum urophyllum) - Leaves are larger, branches are upswept.
•
Panicled Aster (Symphyotrichum lanceolatum)
Flowers:
Summer, Autumn; White; 7 or more parts (petals); 1cm or less in diameter. Ray flowers: 8-15, white. Disc flowers: 8-16, yellow or pink becoming purple or brown. Flowers are scattered along branches. Flowers grow along the upper side of the branch.
Leaves:
Alternate, Simple, Entire; Similar to Panicled Aster, but smaller: elongated lance-shaped.
Height:
30-80 cm (11-31 in)
Stem:
Long horizontal branches spread out from main stem.
Habitat:
Fields and Open Areas, Meadows; Fields. Often found at the edge of a field, such as along trails, in slightly shaded locations.
Grows in Sun/Shade:
Sun, Shade
Lifespan:
Perennial.
Books:
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 456
Peterson's Field Guide to Wildflowers: 96
Native/Non-native:
Native
Status:
Common.
Notes:
This is a very common Aster. It is common along roadsides and field edges. It's fairly easy to recognise.
Photographs:
80 photographs available, of which 8 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.
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