Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides) (formerly Aster ericoides)

Other common names: Heath White Aster, Many-flowered Aster, Tufted White Prairie Aster Other scientific names: Aster ericoides, Aster multiflorus, Aster pansus, Aster polycephalus, Lasallea ericoides, Virgulus ericoides French names: Aster lisse Family: Composite Family (Asteraceae) Group: Asters Distinctive features: Many small white flowers, closely crowded along the stems. Small leaves. Similar species:   •   Frost Aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum) - Densely hairy stem.   •   Calico Aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum) - Spreading horizontal branches.   •   Amethyst Aster (Aster x amethystinus) - Purple flowers, like a miniature New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae). Flowers: Summer, Autumn;  White;  7 or more parts (petals);  Small: less than 1cm in diameter. Ray flowers: 13-20, white, very short. Disc flowers: 7-15, yellow becoming brown. Spread out along branches. Densely packed, often overlapping. Leaves: Small, numerous, closely crowded, as in heaths. The upper stem leaves are tipped with a tiny soft spine. Lower leaves often gone by flowering. Height: 30-80 cm (11-31 in) Stem: Upper stems crowded with incurved hairs. Habitat: Fields and Open Areas;  Fields, roadsides. Grows in patches as it spreads primarily by runners and roots. Lifespan: Perennial.   Books: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 458    Peterson's Field Guide to Wildflowers: 96    Native/Non-native: Native Status: Common. Notes: This is another one of the Asters that is fairly easy to identify. The closely packed overlapping white flowers are distinctive. When referring to this species it is best to use its Latin name as well, as there is at least one other Aster that is commonly called Heath Aster Aster. Photographs: 189 photographs available, of which 14 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS. Range Map is at the bottom of the page

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