lateriflorum that are stored in the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) Steere Herbarium.Ĭlose-up of S. The images of caudices are from dried specimens of S. The roots of Symphyotrichum lateriflorum have short and woody branched caudices, and can have short rhizomes that may produce offsets. An early or first-year plant may have one short and somewhat floppy stem, several large leaves, and end abruptly with one flower head in the center. For example, a mature or returning plant, or one late in the season, may have one or more stiff stems that reach close to maximum height, several arching branches, and multiple clusters of flowers ( inflorescences). Herbaceous and with alternate leaves, : 1095 it can have a different appearance throughout its lifespan or a season.
![calico aster calico aster](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4L6c766NxuA/XZtLbCqvOoI/AAAAAAAAbpE/280pjLJv5QYA_AAzoN8uUqiz11-HtADrACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Calico%2BAster%2B%2528Symphyotrichum%2Blateriflorum%2BL%2529%2BGW186086%2Bcopy.jpg)
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum is a clump-forming perennial that grows 20–120 cm ( 3⁄ 4–4 ft) tall and up to 30 cm (1 ft) wide. It has been used by indigenous Americans as a medicinal plant. Some modern-day cultivars are 'Bleke Bet', 'Lady in Black', and 'Prince'. lateriflorum has multiple cultivars and has been grown for at least 250 years in Europe. As well as occurring naturally in several varieties, S. Its late-summer and fall appearing flowers are visited by small pollinators and nectar-seeking insects such as sweat bees, miner bees, and hoverflies. There is also a native population in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. It can be found throughout most of the eastern and east-central United States and Canada. Symphyotrichum lateriflorum is a conservationally secure species and grows in a variety of habitats. Flower heads grow along one side of the branches and sometimes in clusters at the ends.
![calico aster calico aster](https://i0.wp.com/www.bernadettestoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/092317-Calico-asters.jpg)
![calico aster calico aster](https://i.etsystatic.com/23427090/r/il/73fb8c/2699060401/il_1588xN.2699060401_rad9.jpg)
The mostly hairless leaves have a characteristic hairy midrib on their back faces, and branching is usually horizontal or in what can appear to be a zigzag pattern. There are roughly 8–16 disk florets, each with five lobes that strongly reflex (bend backwards) when open. The flower centers, composed of disk florets, begin as cream to yellow and often become pink, purple, or brown as they mature. They have an average of 7–15 short white ray florets, which are rarely tinted pink or purple. The flowers of calico aster are small compared to most Symphyotrichum species. It is a perennial and herbaceous plant that may reach heights up to 120 centimeters (4 feet) and widths up to 30 cm (1 ft). Commonly known as calico aster, starved aster, and white woodland aster, it is native to eastern and central North America. Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (formerly Aster lateriflorus) is a species of flowering plant in the aster family ( Asteraceae).