American Aster
Asters display clusters of small, daisy-like flowers in late summer or early fall. The pale-blue to purple ray florets (petals) branch out from a round yellow cluster of disc florets. The plants range in height from 1-4 ft and are found in grassy and damp areas.
Could it be? Many North American plants are commonly known as Asters; the height, flower color, and shape of leaves will vary depending on the variety.
Did you know? Recent research indicates that most of the asters growing in North America are not native but have been introduced from Europe or Asia.
See Also: Black-eyed Susan, Gaillardia, Philadelphia Fleabane, Prairie Coneflower, Prairie Sunflower, Tufted Fleabane
Easy - numerous and usually easy to spot
in the habitats listed at the appropriate time of
year.
Forests are large areas of trees growing close
together.
Grasslands are large open areas covered with
grasses. They have very few trees or shrubs.
This habitat includes prairies and tundra.
Wetlands are low-lying areas that are covered by
water all or most of the time and support a variety of
aquatic plants. This habitat includes rivers, streams,
lakes, ponds, bogs, and marshes.