white panicle aster
Family
AsteraceaeScientific Name
Symphyotrichum lanceolatum ssp. lanceolatum var. lanceolatum
Other Common Names:
panicled aster
lanceleaf aster
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Symphyotrichum simplex
Aster paniculatus
Aster simplex
Aster lanceolatus
Aster tenuifolius
Aster bellidiflorus
Aster lamarckianus
Aster laxus
Habit
This erect perennial can grow from 2 to 5 ft in height. It flowers from September through November.
Leaves
The alternate, lanceolate leaves can grow from 3 to 6 inches in length. Each leaf has a pointed tip, and is glaborous on both surfaces. The leaves at the top tend to be smaller than the lower leaves.
Identifying Characteristics
This plant can be differentiated by its 3/4 inch flowers, its hairless lanceolate leaves, and the fine white hairs that occur along its stem.
Flower Seed Head
The white or occasionally pink flowers grow in clusters at the top of the plant, with as many as 25 to 30 flowers per plant. The yellow disk flowers, at the center of each flower and turn reddish purple as they age.
Seed Fruit
The seeds develop in a light brown, flattened achene. Each achene has white or brown tufts of hair that aid in dispersion by wind.
Where Found
This plant can be found in damp meadows, along ponds and rivers, fencerows, ditches, and other low-lying areas.
Life Cycle
perennial
Plant Type
Herb