New England Aster: Aster novae-angleae: Asteraceae
New England Aster © RSWacha, 1998
Description:
Flowering head has about 35 to 45 lavender to purple ray flowers that surround a central cluster of yellow disc flowers. Involucral bracts (35 to 45) are green to purple, long, narrow, lance-shaped, and spreading. The upper part of the stem may be purple. Leaves are individually arranged, and attach directly to the stem by a heart-shaped base. Petioles are lacking. Leaves are closely spaced to each other, have smooth edges, and are hairy on the upper surface. Hairs are also present on the stem. Occurs in fields and prairie plantings from September through October. Native to N. A.