Rush Aster
Symphyotrichum boreale (formerly Aster junciformis) |
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:
Composite Family (Asteraceae)

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, Autumn; White; 7 or more parts (petals); White.

Leaves:
very narrow, inrolled along the edges.

Habitat:
Wet Areas; 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:
133 photographs available, of which 13 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |