Amethyst Aster Symphyotrichum x amethystinum (formerly Aster x amethystinus)

Other scientific names: Aster x amethystinus Family: Composite Family (Asteraceae) Group: Asters Distinctive features: Flowers like small New England Aster flowers. Stem fuzzy. Leaves clasping, very similar to New England Aster yet much smaller. Whole plant looks like a miniature New England Aster. Similar species:   •   New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) - larger overall, leaves larger.   •   Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides) - white flowers and narrower/smaller leaves. Flowers: Summer, Autumn;  Blue/Violet;  7 or more parts (petals);  Smaller than those of New England Aster, larger than those of Heath Aster. Ray flowers short and small. Leaves: Alternate, Simple;  Similar to Heath Aster. Smaller than those of New England Aster - the leaves have the same shape and form, but are more numerous. Height: 1 m (2-3 ft) Stem: Similar to New England Aster. Habitat: Fields and Open Areas, Meadows;  Fields, usually close to Heath Aster and New England Aster. Only in the south part of Ontario. Grows in Sun/Shade: Sun Lifespan: Perennial.   Native/Non-native: Native Status: Common. Notes: This species of Aster is a hybrid between New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) and Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides). Its features are a mixture of the two species. The leaves are like miniature New England Aster leaves or large, wide, clasping Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides) leaves, and the flowers are like small New England Aster flowers or like large purple Heath Aster flowers. It is usually found close to Heath Aster and New England Aster. Photographs: 62 photographs available, of which 13 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS. Range Map is at the bottom of the page

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