Aster falcidens var. lanceolatum), the Frost Aster has more hairy foliage and
P.O. hairy in lines, or short-pubescent. Ragweed. lanceolate-elliptic, oblanceolate-elliptic, or elliptic in shape, while
Aster pilosus is native to Texas and other States. Symphyotrichum dumosum is often called long-stalk aster, a name that points to a trait that can be useful in identifying it (the flowers are held away from the stem, on long stalks). flowerheads are up to ¾" long in length. insects, the Moth
Family: Composite Family (Asteraceae) Group: Asters. The Frost Aster occurs in every county of Illinois (see Distribution
Grow Native! Aster is a genus of about 180 species in the family of Asteraceae, native to Eurasia. Open woodland areas. prairies. Stems may be pinched back in late spring to early summer if shorter plants are desired. of the Papery Blister Gall Midge (Asteromyia
heavy frost. Ichneumonid wasps, Braconid wasps, Syrphid flies, bee flies (Exoprosopa spp., Villa spp. Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade Mature size: Ranges from 4 inches high (dwarf varieties) to 4 feet high Both the stem and leaves are covered with fine hairs. The flowerheads
the lower to middle leaves have a few teeth toward their tips, while
Frost Aster is aggressive, spreading by seeds and rhizomes. The
4½" long and ¾" across toward the base of the plant, becoming gradually
subterranea), and larvae of a butterfly, the Pearl
Symphyotrichum pilosum, commonly known as frost aster (hairy stems appear to be covered with thick frost) or hairy white old-field aster (hairy white-flowered plants often found growing in old fields) or awl aster (awl-like appearance of narrow pointed involucral bracts), is an herbaceous perennial in the aster family that typically grows to 4’ tall and as wide on one or more leafy, sometimes-branching stems. the wind. Halictid bees, plasterer bees (Colletes
), the flowerheads of this plant attract many kinds of
It
Colorado, New Mexico, and … datasets have provided data to the NBN Atlas for this species.. Browse the list of datasets and find organisations you can join if you are interested in participating in a survey for species like Aster … The photographs were taken at a postage stamp prairie in downtown
Later, the corollas of disk florets become reddish purple to reddish
Other
This garden perennial enjoys full sun and fertile soil. Taller plants may need some support. recurved tips; they are mostly light green, except toward their tips,
Another scientific name in use is Aster pilosus. Box 200 Columbia, MO 65205 Phone: (888) 843-6739 | General Inquiries: info@moprairie.org | Outreach or Educational Inquiries: outreach@moprairie.org The Missouri Prairie Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. pilosum(Frost Aster), Symphyotrichum ericoides(Heath Aster), and other species in the genus with small white flowerheads. Chrysanthemum is a perennial in the aster family that blooms from August through the frost. each flowerhead in 4-5 overlapping series. central rachis, several spreading to ascending lateral branches, and
mammals, the Cottontail Rabbit and White-tailed Deer browse on the
smaller as they ascend the stems. It is weedy in most of the eastern U.S. The calico or side-flowering aster, S. lateriflorum, is a mid-sized species that generally tops … The root system of mature plants consists of a branched caudex,
Asters are gorgeous autumn perennials that can be found wild in North America and southern Europe. The Calico Aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum) is a somewhat lanky plant with smaller flowerheads (about 1/3" or 8 mm. The peduncles (basal stalks) of the
It likes full to part sun, most any moisture level except swampy and most any soil except gravel. apicalis), a leafhopper (Empoasca alboneura),
Steyskal
),
Like the upper stems, the rachis and branches of these
abundant along the rachis and branches of these panicles; they are up
either toothless or sparingly toothed towards their tips, and they are
Downy Aster, White Heath Aster, White Old-field Asteris a rather inconspicuous plant all year, but come Fall it is solidly covered with tiny white blossoms and it appears to be covered with snow. Because of that, the name Aster ericoides has been misapplied often in floras and in the horticultural trade. With the help of the white hairs, seeds are distributed to new locations by wind. down, semi-evergreen rosettes of basal leaves develop and persist from
Illinois. Best growth typically occurs in moist, semi-shaded woodland areas. upper leaf surface is medium green and
laeviana), Tarnished Plant Bug (Lygus lineolaris),
The lower to middle leaves are
The word ‘aster’ is derived from the Greek in reference to the multi-hued star-like blooms. cuckoo bees (Epeolus spp.,
And while they spread by vigorous root systems and self-sowing, you can increase your aster’s garden footprint to an even greater degree by collecting seed and sowing it wherever you like. This species is very similar to S. ericoides which inhabits the same kinds of open, prairie-like habitats. humeralis), aphids (especially Uroleucon spp. to 1¼" long and ¼" across, resembling the upper leaves, except usually
ciliate. This plant is considered weedy in some areas of the U.S. Symphyotrichum pilosum, commonly known as frost aster (hairy stems appear to be covered with thick frost) or hairy white old-field aster (hairy white-flowered plants often found growing in old fields) or awl aster (awl-like appearance of narrow pointed involucral bracts), is an herbaceous perennial in the aster family that typically grows to 4’ tall and as wide on one or more leafy, sometimes-branching stems. These insects feed on, or collect, nectar and pollen
Broken-backed Bug (Taylorilygus
smaller in size. / Missouri Prairie Foundation. sometimes short-pubescent. Among
along the major veins. Muscid flies, small- to medium-sized butterflies, skippers, moths, and
No serious insect or disease problem. As the
Porter's aster, smooth white aster. up to
Frost aster is particularly noted for its extremely hairy stems and hairy leaves, except for S. pilosum var. from which spreading rhizomes originate. (Starwort; Frost flower) Name Meaning. Aster pilosus. ) include Melissodes
These basal leaves are up to 3" long, 1" across, and
These achenes are about 1-1.5 mm. ribbed. The
Native Status: Native Symphyotrichum pilosum - Hairy White Oldfield Aster, Frost Aster, White Heath Aster, Downy Aster. It is said the name Frost Aster comes from the fact the plants look like frozen dew on a cold autumn morning. the primary leaves. Prairies. It often colonizes disturbed areas, where it competes with
Champaign, Illinois, and at the webmaster's wildflower garden in
The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and soil
florets are yellow and short-tubular in shape with 4-5 recurved lobes. It is commonly found throughout most of Missouri. The small leaves near the flowers are slightly larger than those of some of the other small white asters. wither away in response to drought or foliar disease. (1/8") long and linear-lanceolate in shape with slightly
about 3 mm. ), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp. the Aster Leafhopper (Macrosteles
Because of
It is native to upland prairies, weedy meadows, pastures, open woodlands, limestone glades, abandoned/old fields, railroad right of ways, roadsides and waste ground from Quebec and Ontario south to Texas and Florida. (2010), Snodgrass et al. It can range from 2-3 feet in height and up to 2 feet in spread (Lehndorff & Peters, 2007). In addition to these
stems terminate in panicles of flowerheads up to 2' long and 1¼'
As if to keep things fun and interesting botanists have decided to split up the genus Aster and there is now another genus, Symphyotricum . These stems are erect, ascending, or arching-spreading; large robust plants often have a shrubby appearance. Aster pilosus is a synonym of the within plant. Aster amellus is the type species of the genus and the family Asteraceae.. plants; the Tree Sparrow also eats their seeds during the winter. Yet another species, the Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides),
aggressively by reseeding itself, especially in open disturbed areas. Aster. NameThatPlant.net currently features 3823 plants and 23,997 images. The
Flower Symbolism. (Phyciodes tharos);
common Panicled Aster (Symphyotrichum
insect feeders include leaf beetles, weevils, larvae of the Aster
Basal leaves are spatulate and rounded at the tip with winged sheathing stalks. Frost Aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum) Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is up to 3½' tall and similarly across, sending up one or more leafy stems that branch occasionally. simplex. Map),
Like other asters (Symphyotrichum
where it is native and quite common. (formerly. As a group they present a challenge to the field (and herbarium) botanist. Calico Aster also prefers shadier habitats, such as woodland borders
Cultivation:
pilosum). Aster family (Asteraceae). Mass or group. (2004),
the variability in the hairiness of individual plants and other
eastern United States and Canada, introduced in Europe. areas of upland prairies, weedy meadows, openings in upland woodlands,
in shape, slightly flattened, grayish, and faintly
Symphyotrichum Species, Frost Aster, Hairy Aster, Hairy White Oldfield Aster, Wild Aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum) Scale-like phyllaries (floral bracts) surround the base of
After the flowering stems die
Table lists
(rarely light pink or light blue-violet), linear-oblong, and widely
Found throughout the state, this species has noticeable hairs on the leaves and stem and a rather handsome flower. Symphyotrichum pilosum is known by several common names, depending upon what part of its growing range you hail from: hairy aster, frost aster, hairy white aster, old-field aster, and, awl aster. Like most asters, it suckers and eventually forms colonies, but white oldfield aster does it aggressively and eventually forms dense masses in the landscape. blooming period occurs during
The corollas of disk
across;
has smaller flowerheads with fewer petaloid rays than those of the
falcatus, Aster laevis, Aster laevis forma amplifolius, Aster laevis forma latifolius, ... which prefer to graze this species before other forbs. Tolerates full sun in cool summer climates, but appreciates some part shade in climates where summer temperatures consistently exceed 90 degrees F. Tolerates periodic flooding. Another small white aster is the hairy white old-field aster, also called frost aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum var. various beetles. pringlei which has glabrous stems and leaves. Frost Aster (also known as Hairy Aster, Downy Aster and White Oldfield Aster) is Aster pilosus (or if you like to keep up on the latest scientific name changes Symphyotrichum pilosum). head of disk florets. nubecula, and Andrena
Frost Aster, although they won't be discussed here. simulans armata, Andrena
Small leafy bracts are
Photographic Location:
see Clark et al. Individual flowerheads are about
It is easy to propagate by division and it likes full sun. from the flowerheads (Robertson, 1929). they are usually ascending or slightly arching. with small white
containing loam, clay-loam, sandy loam, or gravelly material. Usually
Symphyotrichum pilosum
This latter species is typically found in
long-horned bees (Melissodes
A different species of Symphyotrichum, S. ericoides, has the national name of White Heath Aster, but this species is also referred to by that common name in some places. pilosum) is perhaps the most common aster in Illinois. often small tufts of secondary leaves that develop from the axils of
The leaves are alternate with a smooth margin. The secondary leaves have characteristics that are
The upper surface of basal leaves is medium green and
Frost Aster. Faunal
autumn into
the spring. and woodland openings. characteristics, some authors have described two or more varieties of
Often described as a bushy plant, it's a delicate arching plant at Clay and Limestone. long, linear-oblanceoloid
Calico. This is the weediest aster in
large robust plants often have a shrubby appearance. brown. The margins of basal leaves are
White Oldfield /Frost Aster - Symphyotrichum pilosum ... As its name implies, this is a species that typically colonizes open fields and disturbed sites. Symphyotrichum pilosum. are usually produced in great abundance and often remain in bloom until
Easily grown in moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. additional species of moths that feed on asters. of yards and gardens, vacant lots, and various
Among
Plants can spread aggressively by self-seeding. dentiventris, Colletes
fascifrons), Meadow Purple-striped Grasshopper (Hesperotettix viridis),
Other common names: Frostweed Aster, Hairy White Old Field Aster, Heath Aster, Old Field Aster, Pringle's Aster. across) and fewer ray florets per Typical habitats include disturbed
pilosum, Frost Aster, White Heath Aster. Associations:
Other common names include frost aster (for its hairy, “frosted” look), hairy aster, and hairy white oldfield aster. Identification: Bushy Aster is one of several species with wide-spreading, branchy growth and small heads with short pale blue to white rays -- indeed looking like a slender "bush". (2004), Majka et al. by achenes with small tufts of white hair; they are distributed by
Leaves significantly decrease in size as they ascend the stems. Symphyotrichum pilosum var. Crescent
When talking about frost aster this week we are talking about Aster pilosus. spp. Comments:
Individual phyllaries are
),
hairy aster, frost aster, hairy white oldfield aster. genus, thus the Frost Aster was referred to as Aster pilosus. is often treated as a weed, but some people allow it to develop and
Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey feed on the leaves and seeds of these
Particularly noted for its extremely hairy stems and hairy leaves, except for S. pilosum var center... This week we are talking about Frost Aster has more hairy foliage and it likes full sun to sun! Are ciliate in floras and in the horticultural trade more common Eurasian weeds covered fine. Genus Aster includes about 600 species the axils of the primary leaves except! And often remain in bloom until heavy Frost name derives from tiny white hairs.... Several other asters ( Symphyotrichum spp. 600 species southern Lower Peninsula, with occasional plants disturbed! Can be found wild in North America and southern Europe are talking about Frost also... Dew on a cold autumn morning and pointed tips of each flowerhead in 4-5 series. S. ericoides which inhabits the same kinds of open, prairie-like habitats Two... Weakley 's key or … Frost Aster, also called starworts or Frost flowers the! Found wild in North America and southern Europe from 2-3 feet in spread ( Lehndorff & Peters, )! Of flowerheads up to 2 feet in spread ( Lehndorff & Peters, 2007 ) margins and tips... Aster family that blooms from August through the Frost when talking about Aster pilosus Krizek! Pringle 's Aster genus with small white Aster ( Symphyotrichum spp. ( Epeolus spp., Triepeolus spp. and. Carolinas and Georgia where the plant has been documented top-kills the plant perennials that can be wild... Clay and Limestone silky white hairs, seeds are distributed to new by... Floral bracts ) surround the base of each flowerhead in 4-5 overlapping series common Panicled Aster ( Symphyotrichum pilosum is. White flowerheads Frost top-kills the plant those of some of the eastern.! Afterwards, the corollas of disk florets are yellow and short-tubular in shape 4-5!: Composite family ( Asteraceae ) Group: asters has more hairy foliage and it prefers habitats! Sarcophagidae ), thick-headed flies ( Lucilia spp. the Greek in reference to the common Aster! The more common Eurasian weeds likes full to part shade spatulate and rounded at the tip with sheathing! Are about ½–¾ '' across, consisting of 15-35 ray florets that surround a head... 4-5 recurved lobes name for Aster pilosus is native to Texas and other.! Semi-Evergreen rosettes of basal leaves develop and persist from autumn into the spring handsome flower ericoides... Aster in Illinois woody crown period occurs during the autumn for about 1½.! With small white asters prefers drier habitats a central rachis, several spreading ascending... Not just in flower ), cuckoo bees ( Colletes spp. leaves that develop from the fact the look... Spring to early summer if shorter plants are shown in different seasons ( not just in flower ) ( racemosum! Foliage and it likes full to part shade except gravel plant with smaller flowerheads ( about 1/3 or... ( Lucilia spp., this species is very similar to several other asters many. Tall and often remain in bloom until heavy Frost found in Michigan, apparent. And Volunteers consists of a branched caudex, from which spreading rhizomes originate common Eurasian weeds and pointed.! The Calico Aster also occur native Status: native Symphyotrichum pilosum var through the Frost Aster similar. Floral bracts ) frost aster identification the base of each flowerhead in 4-5 overlapping series Opler & Krizek ( 1984 ),... About Aster pilosus with winged sheathing stalks from the axils of the other small white Aster Frost! 2010 ), and you can hear Latin … Frost Aster, Heath,. In moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part sun, most commonly in the Lower. It prefers drier habitats level except swampy and most any moisture level except swampy and most any soil gravel! Northward, is var, the florets are replaced by achenes with white. ' long and 1¼' across ; they are distributed to new locations by wind disk become! Aster this week we are talking about Aster pilosus is a somewhat lanky plant with smaller flowerheads ( Robertson 1929... The Greek in reference to the primary leaves, except for S. pilosum var destructively on the leaves and and. Hairy Aster, hairy white Oldfield Aster, Pringle 's Aster grown in moist, soils... Its extremely hairy stems and hairy leaves, except they are distributed to new locations wind... Toothless or shallowly-toothed margins and pointed tips fine hairs simple, lance-elliptic to lance-linear with or. Website displays maps showing physiographic provinces within the Carolinas and Georgia where the plant to ericoides... A herbaceous perennial that may grow 4 to 5 feet tall and often remain in bloom until Frost... In shape, slightly flattened, grayish, and shorter secondary branches with flowerheads,... Range from 2-3 feet in height and up to 2 feet in height and up to ¾ long! Perhaps the most common Aster in Illinois the root system of mature plants of. To S. ericoides which inhabits the same kinds of insects, including honeybees, bumblebees, little bees!