white panicle aster

Symphyotrichum lanceolatum ssp. hesperium

characteristics

Short-lived perennial with stout stems that start out green then become brown and woody. Growth habit is open and branching. Narrow leaves become very curly when they die; a distinguishing feature of this aster. Numerous small flowers grow in leafy panicles. Flowers vary in colour: ray flowers are usually white but may be pinkish or pale violet. Yellow disk flowers turn purple. During cool weather foliage may turn purple. Rhizomatous: colony forming. Self seeds readily.

Our research indicated that this plant has a high tolerance of fire, but our experience suggests otherwise.

700,000 seeds/pound; starts from seed, bare root.

habitat

Pond and lake edges, fields, ditches, railways, and forest margins.

uses

Attracts bees and butterflies.

North American aboriginals dried and crushed the plant for use on abrasions; crushed flowers were inhaled for nosebleeds.