skip to main content

Websites to help with Aster ID?

14 years ago

Although our natives are no longer asters, I am using that more familiar term now. Can anyone suggest websites to help us ID these fall blooming lovelies, especially the purple ones? I was on a hike and saw Symphyotrichum patens; then today at a local botanical garden they had these for sale, only they didn't look at all like the ones I had seen last week.

To increase my frustration, I bought three new S. laeve 'Bluebird' several weeks ago, but when I planted them, they didn't look exactly like the ones of the same name I already had. And my established S. concolor doesn't look like the ones I saw today at the bot garden.

Is there so much visual difference in these plants that only the DNA people can separate or group them? I need a source of "pointers" to help me ID these things.

I do love them all!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

lycopus
14 years ago
People still call them asters. They have just been split into several genera separate from the genus Aster.

The changes have been in name only for the most part. If you find an older key to the "asters" the names can easily be updated. Keep in mind that some of the "new" names are not really new and the adoption of them isn't always based on DNA evidence. Even when molecular techniques are used to separate out clades, that work is based on corresponding morphological differences previously identified.

There are some good field guides that can help with identification. Newcomb's Wildflower Guide is one of the better ones. Online sources are harder to find and mostly just have pictures, like the Connecticut Botanical Society. The flora of North America has keys online but they can be challenging, particularly with the new names (instead of a key to the genus Aster, it has all the new genera). However, if you are interested in learning how to identify asters it is worthwhile to learn some of the terminology used to describe the features of the aster family (e.g. phyllaries, involucre, pappus, ect.)
Lynda Waldrep
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks. I do have Newcomb's book, but my problem is having these plants that someone better trained than I already ID'ed as a particular one...but they don't look alike. That is what is stumping me. I will check the Connecticut site...have used that for ferns but didn't think about Asters. Again, I appreciat the help.
Related Discussions
Aster yellows and fungus help
Q
Comments (3)
If you are fully organic already, you might try spraying milk diluted 3 ounces per gallon on the plants every 2 weeks. If you are not yet fully organic, then scatter a handful of compost and a handful of corn meal under each plant, monthly. Then spray with the milk every 2 weeks. This may not work, but it doesn't cost much to try, especially against such a nasty disease.
...See More
ID Help With Blue Aster Like Flowers
Q
Comments (6)
The guides are great, I appreciate them. I believe now that the first one is Purplestem Aster, as carol suggested. It is at least seven feet tall, has a purplish, hairy stem and has a very wet footprint. On the second one, I am going back tomorrow to look closer; the only thing that seems close and has those winged stems is Crookedstem Aster. Thanks everyone. Charles
...See More
Aster I.D.
Q
Comments (2)
Asters are a large family of plants and are often difficult to nail down the exact species -- especially because there can be so much variability within each species. The provided picture really is not clear enough on the details that one needs for a positive identification. However, my first "best guess" is Aster azureus. IronBelly Here is a link that might be useful: Aster azureus
...See More
good website for ID'ing mushrooms?
Q
Comments (1)
To answer my own question... After much online searching, I found this site: http://www.rogersmushrooms.com which easy key helped me identify each one (as inedible) very easily. Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.rogersmushrooms.com
...See More
Iris GW
14 years ago
The NC Herbarium has Weakley's Flora, but the "aster" section is not complete. And of course it does not have pictures.

There is a site with good pictures for northeastern asters: http://www.nttlphoto.com/botany/asters-goldenrods/asters.htm

Here is a link that might be useful: NC Herbarium
Lynda Waldrep
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks. I also sent the website to a friend who is better keying out than I am. Maybe between the two of us we can solve this mystery. I was interested to see the many divisions for asters. I thought we had only the three, but maybe we do, in the south, and they have more up north?
Iris GW
14 years ago
If I can send you any pictures of mine, let me know. I have A. concolor in bloom now. I also have A. patens. And I just recently found Eurybia spectabilis, but don't have a picture of the bloom (it faded).
Iris GW
14 years ago
And this website has some good pictures:
http://www.southeasternflora.com/species_list.asp#S

Here is a link that might be useful: direct link to
Lynda Waldrep
Original Author
14 years ago
Great website, not just for asters. Thanks. Now, I just need some time to pick a few examples before the frosts changes everything.

Related Stories

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES Great Design Plant: Aromatic Aster Keeps on Blooming

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Tough as nails, drought loving, a deep fall bloomer ... this aster is a champ in sunny gardens

FLOWERS 6 Overlooked Asters for Tough Spots

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Whether your garden has baking sun or dry dense shade, boggy soil or sandy gravel, there's an aster for that

GARDENING GUIDES You Don't Need Prairie to Help Pollinators

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Woodlands, marshes, deserts — pollinators are everywhere

EARTH DAY How to Help Your Town’s Beneficial Birds and Bugs

By Annie Thornton

Make a habitat using local materials to provide a home to the creatures that help our gardens

BATHROOM WORKBOOK Standard Dimensions and Measurements for a Primary Bath

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Create a luxe bathroom that functions well with these key fixture dimensions and layout tips

SELLING YOUR HOUSE Help for Selling Your Home Faster — and Maybe for More

By Laura Gaskill

Prep your home properly before you put it on the market. Learn what tasks are worth the money and the best pros for the jobs

HOUSEKEEPING Three More Magic Words to Help the Housekeeping Get Done

By Alison Hodgson

As a follow-up to "How about now?" these three words can help you check more chores off your list

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Native Plants Help You Find Your Garden Style

By Oakley Gardens

Imagine the garden of your dreams designed with plants indigenous to your region

SELLING YOUR HOUSE 10 Low-Cost Tweaks to Help Your Home Sell

By Lurdes Abruscato

Put these inexpensive but invaluable fixes on your to-do list before you put your home on the market

ARCHITECTURE House-Hunting Help: If You Could Pick Your Home Style ...

By Laura Gaskill

Love an open layout? Steer clear of Victorians. Hate stairs? Sidle up to a ranch. Whatever home you're looking for, this guide can help

Sponsored

Peabody Landscape Group

8 Reviews

Columbus' Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting

More Discussions

cold stratification?

1