Panicled Aster

(Aster Lanceolatus)

Interesting Information About the Plant: Occurring commonly along wet stream-sides in wooded areas, the Panicled Aster is most commonly found growing in poor soil areas by creeks, though it can grow in good soil as well. The Panicled Aster is native to North America and was used by the Native American tribe Mohawk for treating fever. Today, it has no use and is mostly seen as a pesky weed around creeks and low land wooded areas.

The Aster Family is very broad, but the Panicled Aster is easy to spot when sought out for. The cluster of leaflets per flower head is usually white and surrounds a yellow center. But as the season progresses, the leaflets can turn a light shade of violet and the yellow center darkens to brown. Also, as the leaves along the stem die, they begin to curl. The Panicled Aster is most common in all of Kentucky except for the Shawnee Hills. It is also found throughout the mid-west region of the United States, most commonly in Kansas.

Though the Panicled Aster looks unique, it is extremely similar to the Ontario Aster and the Frost-Weed Aster. But once the characteristics are sought out, the Panicled Aster can be identified.

Scientific Name: Aster Lanceolatus

Family Name: Aster (Asteraceae)

Continent of Origin: North America

Most Distinguishing Morphological Feature: Flower always has a cluster of 20-40 petals.

Plant Growth: Upright Herbaceous

Height at Maturity: Between 1-3 Feet / Between 3-10 Feet

Life Span: Perennial

Seasonal Habit: Deciduous Perennial

Growth Habit: Partial Sun

Manner of Culture: Native Species

Thorns on Younger Stem? No

Cross Section of Younger Stem: Roundish

Stem Diameter: Less than the Diameter of a Pencil

Produces Brownish Bark? No

Characteristics of Mature Bark: No mature bark (all green)

Type of Leaf: Flat, Thin Leaf

Length of Leaflet: Less than Length of a Credit Card

Leaf Complexity: Simple

Shape of Leaf: Simple

Edge of Leaf: Smooth

Leaf Arrangement: Alternate

Leaf has Petiole? Yes

Patterns of Main-Vein: Parallel

Leaf Hairiness: No Hairs

Flowering Season: Autumn

Flowers: In a Loose GroupType of Flower: Like a Grass Flower

Color of Flower: White / Purple-Violet

Shape of Individual Flower: Radially Symmetrical

Size of Individual Flower: Smaller than s Quarter

Sexuality: Hermaphroditic Flower

Size of Fruit: No Fruit

Unique Morphological Features of Plant: About 20-40 white ray florets per compound flower; Dead leaves curl up.Is the Plant Poisonous? No

Pesty Plant: Yes

Common Names: Tall White Aster, White Field Aster

Louisville Plants Most Easily Confused With: Ontario Aster, Frost Weed Aster