Botanicakl Name: Aster lanceolatus
Family: Asteraceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales
Tribe: Astereae
Subtribe: Symphyotrichinae
Genus: Symphyotrichum
Subgenus:Symphyotrichum subg. Symphyotrichum
Section:Symphyotrichum sect. Symphyotrichum
Species: S. lanceolatum
Synonyms: Symphyotrichum lanceolatum, Aster simplex, Aster hesperius, Aster paniculatus.
Common Names: Panicled aster, Lance-leaved aster, and White panicled aster.
Habitat:
Aster lanceolatus is native to much of Canada, the United States, and northwestern Mexico. In its native range, it occurs in a wide variety of mostly moist and open habitats, including riparian areas, meadows, and ditches. Distribution and habitat vary among the infraspecies. It grows at 0–900 meters (0–2,950 feet) in stream banks, thicket borders, meadows, fields, and ditches.
Description:
Aster lanceolatus is a perennial, herbaceous plant that may reach 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall or more, sometimes approaching 2 meters (6+1?2 feet). The lance-shaped leaves are generally hairless but may feel slightly rough to the touch on the top because of tiny bristles. The flowers grow in clusters and branch in panicles. They have 16–50 white ray florets that are up to 14 millimeters (1?2 inch) long and sometimes tinged pink or purple.The leaves are generally hairless but may feel slightly rough to the touch on the top because of tiny bristles. The leaf blades have winged petioles and may sheath the stem at their bases. The largest leaves, near the base of the plant, are up to about 15 centimeters (6 inches) long. Those higher on the stem are smaller, and the lower leaves may have toothed edges. The flower centers consist of disk florets that begin as yellow and become purple as they mature.
The inflorescence is usually a large, branching panicled array of many flower heads of varying size. Each flower head has many tiny florets put together into what appear as one. There are 16 to 50 ray florets per head, each measuring 3–14 millimeters (1?8–1?2 inch) long, in white, sometimes tinged pink or purple. The roughly 20–40 disk florets bloom yellow and turn purple. Each has five lobes that may spread when open.
Cultivation:
Succeeds in most good garden soils, preferring one that is well-drained and moisture retentive. Prefers a sunny position, but it also succeeds in partial shade. Prefers a rich soil, but tolerates poor ones. There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value. Plants need to be divided every few years, preferably in the spring, in order to keep the plant vigorous. Most species in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. The flowers attract butterflies and moths, it is also a good bee plant providing nectar in autumn.
Propagation:
Through Seed – surface sow in spring in a cold frame. Do not allow the compost to become dry. Pre-chilling the seed for two weeks can improve germination rates. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks at 20°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted straight into their permanent positions whist smaller clumps are best potted up and kept in a cold frame until they are growing away well. Basal cuttings in late spring. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10 – 15cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.
Medicinal Uses:
An infusion of the plant, combined with another unnamed plant, has been used in the treatment of fevers. A decoction of the plant has been used to dress wounds. The dried and powdered plant has been used as a salve on abrasions. Smoke from the crushed blossoms has been inhaled in the treatment of nosebleeds.
Other Uses: The plant Attracts wildlife.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphyotrichum_lanceolatum
https://pfaf.org/USER/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Aster+lanceolatus
