|
The
Aster Home Page
 |
The genus Aster
includes some 600 species of widely distributed
flowering plants in the family Asteraceae.
Aster comes from Greek word for "star",
and refers to the shape of the flower head.
Many of the species are popular garden plants
because of their showy flower heads. The flowers
of the Sea Aster (A. tripolium) are eaten
by the larvae of the Wormwood Pug moth. The
larvae of other Lepidoptera including Flame
Shoulder and Hummingbird Hawk-moth sometimes
eats the foliage of asters. |
|
The genus Aster is now generally restricted
to the Old World species, with Aster amellus
being the type species of the genus (and
of the family Asteraceae). The New World
species have now been reclassified in the
genera Almutaster, Canadanthus, Doellingeria,
Eucephalus, Eurybia, Ionactis, Oligoneuron,
Oreostemma, Sericocarpus and Symphyotrichum
(see : List of Aster synonyms), but are
still widely referred to as "Asters"
in the horticultural trades.
|
Some of our Favorite Asters:
 |
Snowdrift
Aster
This outstanding aster covers itself in a
blizzard of delicate white daisies highlighted
by creamy-yellow centers.
 
|
 |
Dwarf
Aster Collection
Money-saving collection includes three each
of Professor Kippenberg, Bonnie Blue, Snow
Flurry, Alert and Peter Pan Dwarf Asters.
Zone 4 to 9
|
 |
Snow
Flurry Dwarf Aster
Easy-going asters are the perfect choice for
gardeners who value plants that take care
of themselves.
Zone 4 to 9
|
 |
Peter
Pan Dwarf Aster
Easy-going asters are the perfect choice for
gardeners who value plants that take care
of themselves.
Zone 4 to 9
|
 |
Bonnie
Blue Dwarf Aster
Easy-going asters are the perfect choice for
gardeners who value plants that take care
of themselves.
Zone 4 to 9.
|
 |
Alert
Dwarf Aster
Easy-going asters are the perfect choice for
gardeners who value plants that take care
of themselves.
Zone 4 to 9.
|
Quick Aster Fact:
Scientific Aster classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Tribe: Astereae
Genus: Aster
The Aster thrives in open meadows.
It also gravitates along the edges of ponds and
creeks, where it can be more prolific. The soil
doesn't need to be especially fertile but it does
need some direct sun—it loves the sun! When
its sun-shaped yellow-centered flowers are open,
they conceal nothing, being completely receptive
to the sun. The upper portion of the entire plant
is shaggy overall and irregularly branched, very
top heavy. Its refinement can be seen in its delicate,
tiny leaves near the graceful buds and flowers.
These characteristics lead on to believe that
most of the Asters energy gravitates toward the
sun, and often appears to be more lofty than grounded.
Complete
List of Available Asters
Back to Buying Guide
Home
|
 |
