Smooth Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve) (formerly Aster laevis)

Other common names: Glaucous Aster, Smooth Blue Aster, Smooth-leaved Aster Other scientific names: Aster laevis French names: Aster lisse Family: Aster Family (Asteraceae), Composite Family (Compositae) Group: Asters Distinctive features: Very smooth, waxy, almost rubbery leaves. Smooth stem. Similar species:   •   New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) - flowers have many more rays, leaves & stem are rough.   •   Azure Aster (Symphyotrichum oolentangiense) - also has few ray flowers   •   Purple-stemmed Aster (Symphyotrichum puniceum) - also may have a purplish stem Flowers: Summer, Fall;  Blue/Violet;  7 or more parts (petals);  2-3cm in diameter. Ray flowers: about 17, pale blue, rarely white. Disc flowers: 24-40, yellow becoming purple. Sparse, open flower head. Leaves: Unique: Smooth, waxy, thick, almost rubbery. Bluish-green, not toothed. Clasping stem a little. Height: Up to 100 cm (39 in) Stem: Waxy, smooth, with a whitish bloom. Habitat: Open areas, dry or moist. Grows in Sun/Shade: Sun Lifespan: Perennial. Books: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 460    Peterson's Field Guide to Wildflowers: 356    Native/Non-native: Native Status: Fairly common Notes: This is a fairly easy Aster to identify. The leaves are unique. Origin and Meaning of Names:  Scientific Name: laeve: smooth Photographs: 177 photographs available, of which 13 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

Wildflowers       Asters    Goldenrods    Aster ID    Goldenrod ID