Hairy aster
Symphyotrichum pilosum (Willd.) G.L. Nesom
[=Aster pilosus Willd. ]
Images
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Morphology
- Stem
- Erect, simple below, branching above, stiff-hairy or nearly glabrous.
- Leaves
- Lower stem leaves usually absent at flowering, sometimes persist and forming basal rosettes, simple, stalked, oblanceolate to ovate, generally less than 4 inches long and 3/4 inch wide, bristly hairy; upper leaves reduced, alternate, mostly sessile, narrowly linear, stiff; margins entire to slightly toothed; tips with stiff bristles or flexible points.
- Inflorescence
- Open, panicle-like clusters; heads numerous, directed to 1 side on spreading lateral branches.
- Flower
- Heads about 1/2 inch wide; bracts overlapping; tips sharp-pointed, green, in-rolled; ray florets 15-35, 1/5 to 2/5 inch long, white or rarely pinkish; disk florets approximately 30-35, corollas yellowish.
- Fruit
- Achenes, tiny, pubescent, tipped with numerous white, hair-like bristles, enclosing small seed.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Dry, open, sandy or rocky sites, roadsides, meadows, waste areas, thickets, and open woodlands.
- Distribution
- East 1/3 of Kansas.
Additional Notes
Comments
Hairy aster is often found in overgrazed pastures and other disturbed sites.
Synonyms
Alternative scientific names that have been used for this plant.
Scientific Name: Aster pilosus
Full Citation: Aster pilosus Willd.
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Wildflower
- Family
- Asteraceae - Sunflower Family
- Life Span
- Perennial
- Height
- 1-5 feet
- Last Updated
- 2007-09-24
Color Groups
Flowering Period
Blooms: September, October