Heath aster

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Heath aster

Heath aster

Heath aster

Heath aster inflorescence

Heath aster

Heath aster

Heath aster habit

Morphology

Stem

Ascending or erect to almost prostrate, few to many, often clustered, slender, stiff, much-branched, rough hairy above.

Leaves

Alternate, simple, sessile or slightly clasping, linear to linear-lanceolate, 1/2 to 2 inches long, less than 1/4 inch wide, rigid, rough; margins entire; tips pointed; branch leaves much smaller and crowded; most basal and lower stem leaves absent at flowering.

Inflorescence

Panicles of numerous, densely crowded heads, primarily on 1 side of arching branches.

Flower

Heads cylindric to bell-shaped, less than 1/2 inch across; bracts strongly overlapping, tipped with bristles; ray florets 10-18, white or rarely pinkish; disk florets 5-14, corollas yellowish to reddish purple.

Fruit

Achenes, small, appressed-hairy, purplish brown, tipped with white, hair-like bristles, enclosing small, silky seed.

Ecology

Habitat

Dry open prairies, disturbed sites, pastures, and roadsides.

Distribution

Throughout Kansas.

Practical Information

Toxicity

Known to accumulate selenium, but livestock rarely consume it.

Additional Notes

Synonyms

Alternative scientific names that have been used for this plant.