Aster praealtus
    Aster salicifolius

Willowleaf aster
Veiny-lined aster

 

  
State Status * CT MA RI VT NH ME
P SH        

 

 

Ecology: Known from only one N.E. site.  Reported in a variety of habitats in midwestern states - mostly open, damp areas such as wet meadows and prairies.
Blooming Period: September into October.
Typical Height Range: 2 to 4 feet  ( 6 to 12 dm )

[Our plants are var. angustior.]
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 What to look for in the field: 
  Capitulescence is in the shape of a panicle, with numerous, mostly ascending branches.  Heads are numerous, not in one-sided arrays on branches.
  Stems are mostly straight, glabrous and somewhat glaucous below, becoming pubescent in lines above near the branches.  Leaves are numerous and crowded.
  Basal and lowest stem leaves are deciduous by flowering.  Remaining stem leaves are usually only those within the capitulescence.  Leaves in general are narrowly lanceolate, long and firm, with edges that are slightly curled under.  Veins and spaces between the veins (areoles) are conspicuous and more/less equal-sided (isodiametric).
  Heads are medium-sized, approx.  2 to 2.5 cm wide, with pale blue-violet to nearly white rays and yellow disc florets.  At least the outer phyllaries are spreading to slightly recurved.  View image of involucre and phyllaries.
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* State status data obtained from the NatureServe website and from published state natural heritage data.  Click link for a list of state status codes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10/29/2009