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Late Purple Aster (Spreading Aster)
Symphyotrichum patens (Aster patens)
Late purple aster looks similar to smooth aster (Aster laevis) -- they both have purple rays and clasping leaves. Distinguish them by their stems -- late purple aster has a rough, hairy stem; smooth aster has a smooth stem with a whitish coating.
• Family: Aster (Asteraceae)
• Habitat: dry open woods, dry fields
• Height: 1-3 feet
• Flower size: flowerheads 1 inch across
• Flower color: deep blue-purple rays around a yellow disk
• Flowering time: August to October
• Origin: native
next in aster family
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Note how the base of the leaf extends around the stem, nearly encircling it. This type of leaf base is termed "clasping." |
