Fringed Blue Aster
Symphyotrichum ciliolatum
(formerly Aster ciliolatus) |
 Other common names:
Ciliolate Aster, Lindley's Aster
Other scientific names:
Aster ciliolatus, Aster lindleyanus, Aster maccallae, Aster saundersii, Aster subgeminatus, Aster wilsoni, Aster wilsonii, Symphyotrichum subgeminatum
French names:
Aster ciliolée
Family:
Composite Family (Asteraceae)
Group:
Asters
Distinctive features:
Lower leaves look like a cross between those of Heart-leaved Aster and Arrow-leaved Aster. Flowers have long pale blue rays, and are sparsely arranged. Stem smooth. Fields.
Similar species:
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Heart-leaved Aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium)
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Purple-stemmed Aster (Symphyotrichum puniceum)
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Large-leaved Aster (Eurybia macrophylla)
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Azure Aster (Symphyotrichum oolentangiense)
•
Arrow-leaved Aster (Symphyotrichum urophyllum)
Flowers:
Summer, Autumn; Blue/Violet; 7 or more parts (petals); 2.5-3cm in diameter. Ray flowers: 16, long, pale to deep blue. Disc flowers: 20-35, yellow becoming purple. Flowers sparse in arrangement.
Leaves:
Alternate, Simple; Sort of heart-shaped lower on the stem. Easily confused with Arrow-leaved Aster and Heart-leaved Aster. Lance-shaped and smaller higher up on stem.
Height:
Up to 1 m (1-3 ft)
Stem:
Smooth.
Habitat:
Forests, Fields and Open Areas; Open woods and meadows in poor soils. The photos on this page were taken along an old railway embank.
Grows in Sun/Shade:
Sun, Shade
Lifespan:
Perennial.
Native/Non-native:
Native
Status:
Somewhat common.
Notes:
This is a hard Aster to identify for the novice. It resembles several other Aster species. A novice might be better off leaving this species till they have more experience.
Photographs:
134 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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