Aster

Aster is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. The genus once contained nearly 600 species in Eurasia and North America, but after morphologic and molecular research on the genus during the 1990s, it was decided that the North American species are better treated in a series of other genera. After this split there are roughly 180 species within the genus, all but one being confined to Eurasia. The name Aster comes from the Ancient Greek word astron, meaning "star", arriving through the Latin word astrum with the same meaning, referring to the shape of the flower head. Many species and a variety of hybrids and varieties are popular as garden plants because of their attractive and colourful flowers.


Selected species
Aster alpinus (Alpine aster) is an ornamental plant native to the United States. Grows to about 6-12 in. (15-30 cm) usually. Bloom color may be pink, violet/lavender, dark purple/black or white/near white. Blooms in late spring/early summer or occasionally, midsummer. It is herbaceous and attractive to bees, butterflies, and/or birds. Is said to grow in the Juneau, Alaska; Hampton, Georgia; Grand Haven, Michigan; Grove City, Ohio; Barto, Pennsylvania; and Lafayette, Tennessee regions. Does better in generally cooler climates.

Aster amellus or the European Michaelmas Daisy is a species of the genus Aster.

Aster lateriflorus (calico aster) is a plant in the daisy family, Asteraceae, native to eastern North America.

Aster tataricus is a member of the Aster genus of flowering plants. It is one of the 50 fundamental herbs of Traditional Chinese medicine.

Aster tongolensis is a species of the genus Aster.

Aster tripolium is a plant of northern Europe which is confined in its distribution to saltmarshes, estuaries and occasionally to inland salt works. It is a perennial growing up to 50 cm tall with fleshy lanceolate leaves and purple ray florets flowering from July to September. The plants tend to be short-lived and populations need significant new recruitment each year from new seedlings.

Aster linosyris, Goldilocks Aster

Aster scaber

Aster pringlei

Aster sibericus



Aster alpinus (Alpine aster)



Aster amellus (Michaelmas Daisy)



Aster

Dalea

Dalea, commonly known as Prairie Clover, is a genus of plants in the pea family Fabaceae.


Some species
Dalea albiflora (Scruffy Prairie Clover, Whiteflower Prairie Clover) is a perennial subshrub or herb of... more >>>

Odontoglossum

Odontoglossum, first named in 1816 by Karl Sigismund Kunth, is a genus of about 100 orchids. The scientific name is derived from the Greek words odon (tooth) and glossa (tongue), referring to the two tooth-like calluses on the base of the lip.... more >>>

Abutilon

Abutilon is a large genus of about 150 species of broadleaf evergreens in the mallow family (Malvaceae). The genus includes annuals, perennials, shrubs, and small trees from 1-10 m tall, and is found in the tropical and subtropical regions of... more >>>

Echinops - globe thistle

Echinops is a genus of about 120 species of thistles in the daisy family Asteraceae, commonly known as globe thistles. They are native to Europe east to central Asia and south to the mountains of tropical Africa.


Some... more >>>

Maianthemum

Maianthemum (including former Smilacina) is a genus of about 30 species of flowering plants in the family Ruscaceae, native to North America, Central America, northern Europe, northern and eastern Asia, and the Himalaya. The name derives from... more >>>