Silky aster

Also known as: western silvery aster

Symphyotrichum sericeum (Vent.) G.L. Nesom

[=Aster sericeus Vent. ]

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Silky aster

Silky aster florets

Silky aster leaves

Silky aster

Silky aster habit

Silky aster

Silky aster inflorescence

Silky aster

Stem: More or less erect, clustered, wiry, brittle, much-branched, reddish-brown, glabrous below and thinly silky-hairy above.
Leaves: Lower leaves stalked, oblanceolate, shed early; upper leaves persistent, alternate, simple, sessile, elliptic to oblong, .5 to 1.5 inch long, less than .5 inch wide, silvery-white silky pubescent; margins entire.
Inflorescence: Branching clusters of numerous heads; heads 1.5 inches wide; bracts equal or nearly overlapping, tips loose or spreading.
Flower: Ray florets 14-20, 1/2 to 3/4 inch long, purple-violet or sometimes pinkish; disk florets yellowish brown to rose.
Fruit: Achenes, small, smooth, tipped with white bristles, enclosing small seed.

Habitat: Dry, open, upland sites or occasionally open woods, most abundant in limestone soils.
Distribution: East half of Kansas.

The plant derives its common name from the silky hairs covering the leaves.

Special Notes: It is often found with aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium).

Alternative scientific names that have been used for this plant.

Scientific Name: Aster sericeus

Full Citation: Aster sericeus Vent.

Blue, Purple, Lavender & Violet Wildflowers

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Blooms: August, September, October