Symphyotrichum lateriflorum

Calico aster
Illustration
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Tribe: Astereae
Genus: Symphyotrichum
Species: S. lateriflorum
Binomial name
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum
(L.) Á. & D. Löve

Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (common name calico aster[1] or starved aster[2]) is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family Asteraceae, native to eastern North America. In the British Isles it is still widely referenced under its old name, Aster lateriflorus syn. A. diffusus, A. vimineus.[3]

Description

Growing to 120 cm (47 in) tall by 30 cm (12 in) wide, S. lateriflorum is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial with alternate, simple leaves on stiff, hairy, purplish stems. Small white or pale lilac composite daisy-like flowers are borne in corymbs up to 15 cm (6 in) across in late summer and fall (autumn).

Cultivation

Like other asters, this plant is valued in gardens for providing late colour after the main flowering season has finished. The cultivars S. lateriflorum var. horizontale[4] and 'Coombe Fishacre'[5] have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

References

  1. "Symphyotrichum lateriflorum". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
  2. "BSBI List 2007". Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Archived from the original (xls) on 2015-02-25. Retrieved 2014-10-17.
  3. RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.
  4. "RHS Plant Selector - Aster laterifolius var. horizontalis". Retrieved 17 July 2013.
  5. "RHS Plant Selector - Aster 'Coombe Fishacre'". Retrieved 17 July 2013.
Wikiversity has bloom time data for Aster lateriflorus on the Bloom Clock


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