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:
Composite Family (Asteraceae)
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, Autumn; 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:
Alternate, Simple, Entire; Unique: Smooth, waxy, thick, almost rubbery. Bluish-green, not toothed. Clasping stem a little.
Height:
50-100 cm (19-39 in)
Stem:
Waxy, smooth, with a whitish bloom.
Habitat:
Fields and Open Areas, Meadows, Moist Meadows; 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:
201 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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