Panicled Aster
Symphyotrichum lanceolatum
(formerly Aster lanceolatus) |
 Other common names:
Lance-leaved Aster, White Panicle Aster
Other scientific names:
Aster lanceolatus, Aster hesperius, Aster paniculatus, Aster simplex
French names:
Aster simple
Family:
Composite Family (Asteraceae)
Group:
Asters
Distinctive features:
Open spreading form. Dead stem leaves very curly.
Similar species:
•
Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides)
•
Frost Aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum) - Stem very hairy, resembles frost (although there is a variety that is not hairy!).
•
Calico Aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum)
Flowers:
Summer, Autumn; White; 7 or more parts (petals); 1-2cm in diameter. Ray flowers: 16-47, usually white. Disc flowers: 20-40, whitish to yellowish, turning purple. Flowers spread out, not on one side of the stem.
Leaves:
Alternate, Simple, Entire; Long and narrow, lance-shaped. Dead leaves along the stem tend to be very curly, as in a spiral. Lower leaves usually gone by flowering. The biggest leaves are in the upper middle of the stem.
Height:
Up to 100 cm (39 in)
Habitat:
Forests, Fields and Open Areas, Meadows; Moist low areas, open or forested.
Grows in Sun/Shade:
Sun
Lifespan:
Perennial.
Books:
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 456
Peterson's Field Guide to Wildflowers: 94
Native/Non-native:
Native
Status:
Common.
Notes:
A very common Aster. Identify it by the curly dead leaves.
Origin and Meaning of Names:
Scientific Name: lanceolatus: lance-shaped
Photographs:
234 photographs available, of which 15 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.
Range Map is at the bottom of the page
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