Smooth aster

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Smooth aster

Smooth aster leaves

Smooth aster

Smooth aster

Smooth aster florets

Smooth aster heads

Smooth aster inflorescence

Smooth aster inflorescence

Smooth aster leaves

Smooth aster habit

Smooth aster

Morphology

Stem

Erect, slender, simple to branched, glabrous, often waxy, lower stem sometimes reddish.

Leaves

Alternate, simple, clasping, variable in size and shape, lanceolate or broadly ovate to almost linear, to 4 inches long and 3/4 inch wide, thick, firm; margins entire or toothed.

Inflorescence

Open panicles of several to numerous heads; heads to 1 inch wide; bracts overlapping, tips rhombic, green, blunt or pointed.

Flower

Ray florets 15-25, 1/3 to 2/3 inch long, bluish to pale-purple; disk florets yellow.

Fruit

Achenes, smooth, tipped with reddish bristles, enclosing small seed.

Ecology

Habitat

Dry open sites.

Distribution

East third of Kansas.

Practical Information

Uses

Native Americans used smoke from burning smooth aster to revive an unconscious person.

Synonyms

Alternative scientific names that have been used for this plant.