Rush Aster
(Symphyotrichum boreale)
(formerly Aster junciformis)

Rush Aster (Symphyotrichum boreale) Other common names: Northern Aster, Northern Bog Aster, Slender White Aster

Other scientific names: Aster junciformis, Aster borealis, Aster junceus, Aster laxifolius

French names: Aster boréale

Family: Aster Family (Asteraceae), Composite Family (Compositae)

Group: Asters

Distinctive features: Long and very narrow leaves, inrolled along edges. Grows in bogs.

Similar species:
  •   Bog Aster (Oclemena nemoralis) - also grows in bogs; flowers larger, leaves larger

  •   Purple-stemmed Aster (Symphyotrichum puniceum) - also grows in wet areas; leaves larger; often has purple stem

  •   Grass-leaved Goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia) - is a Goldenrod; leaves slightly wider

  •   Bog Goldenrod (Solidago uliginosa) - also grows in bogs; is a Goldenrod


Flowers: Summer, Fall;  White;  7 or more parts (petals);  White

Leaves: very narrow, inrolled along the edges

Habitat: Bogs, fens.

Books: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 460    Peterson's Field Guide to Wildflowers: 96, 360   

Native/Non-native: Native

Status: Common, but seldom seen due to its habitat.

Notes: This Aster is called Rush Aster due to its long and narrow leaves (rush-like).

Origin and Meaning of Names:
 Scientific Name: boreale: northern


Photographs: 128 photographs available, of which 13 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

  

The flowers are sparse in this species.

The open, sparse aspect of this plant.

Closeup view of a flower.

View from underneath a flower.

With a ruler to show the flower size.

Sometimes the flowers have a lot more petals, and the petals are not as long and narrow as usual.

A spent flower, with the petals curling back.

Stem.

The leaves of this species are very long and narrow. The edges are slightly curled under.

An entire leaf.

View of an entire Rush Aster plant.

Rush Aster seed head.
  

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