Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Meadow Aster (Symphyotrichum pratense)

You know fall is not too far away when these little members of the Aster family begin to appear. I have seen a few scattered along the wood's edge. They will bloom mostly in fall until frost. Usually they bloom from September until November, but have already found one here and there.
The dainty lavender flowers are about 1" across and the plant usually reaches 2-3 feet tall. As you can see from the single bloom, they have plenty of pollen available for late summer and fall insects. They are a special favorite of fall butterflies.

Being a member of the Aster family (Asteraceae) gives it its name from a Greek word meaning "star".
Hopefully seeing these a little early this year is a sign of an early fall??

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens.
Ecclesiates 3:1


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