Part 42

The stalk, erect in bearing, from 1 to 2 feet in height, is single, and very slender; smooth at the foot, though rough above. Of a gray-green color.

The leaf is like a grass blade, long, and narrow, with an entire margin, and noticeable midrib; the upper surface is rough, the edge being harsh to the touch, the under surface is shining. Color, gray-green. Arranged alternately, and clasping the stalk with an upward curve.

The disc flowers are small; of a pale yellow-green. The ray flowers, 15 or 20 in number, are short, pointed; pure white. The heads are arranged in a flat-topped loose cluster.

When the disc flowers mature they turn to a light brown color; at one period of development the pale pistils are prominent. There is an individual excellence about this Aster, existing especially in the curve of its leaf.

*White Wood Aster.* Aster corymbosus.

Found in moist woods during July and August.

The stalk, 12 or 15 inches high, branches near the top, and is sometimes zigzag in growth; slender, and smooth. In color a strong rich purple, or green, streaked with red or purple.

The lower leaves are heart-shaped, the upper long-oval, with tapering points; the margin notched, and the texture thin. Color green, lighter underneath. Set on short stems, and arranged alternately.

The disc flowers are few, and yellow; the 4 to 8 ray flowers are about a half inch long, narrow, delicate in texture, arranged in a scattering row, and pure white in color. The cups are small; the heads grouped in loose, leafy terminal clusters.

Perhaps the most daintily finished of the white Asters, it is also the most shy, loving shady nooks and lonely places amongst trees.

*New England Aster.* Aster Novæ-Angliæ.

Found in September in moist fields and waysides.

The strong stalk varies much in height (from 3 to 7 or 8 feet); it branches somewhat at the summit and bears many leaves, and is hairy to the touch. In color green, or purplish.

The leaf is lance-shaped, with a pointed tip, and a heart-shaped base, an entire margin, and hairy surface. The color is a fine, cool green. The leaves clasp the stalk closely, and are arranged alternately, and near together.

The disc flowers are yellow, inclining to purplish, gathered in a large, noticeable tuft; the ray flowers are large and long (15 to 20 in number), of fine texture, and of a rich deep violet or almost royal purple color. The cup is large, sticky, and its many tips turn abruptly outward; green in color. The heads are set on short, sometimes leafy, stems in small terminal groups.

A singularly handsome Aster, with a fine, free gesture, and admirable color harmony.

*Starry White Aster.* Aster multiflorus.

Found in August and September, in dry open fields, and waste places.

The stalk (from 1 to 2 feet in height) is leafy and shrubby in growth, and the branches are long and curving; it is slender, and rough to the touch. Green.

The lowest leaves are broad lance-shaped, pointed at each end, the margin sometimes notched; the upper leaves are long, and narrow, with an entire margin, and diminishing in size till they become line-like near the top of the stalk. The midrib shows plainly, the texture is firm. The color is gray-green, rather dark. The leaves are set immediately upon the stalk, closely and irregularly, and generally alternate.

The disc flowers are few; yellow, changing to brown. The ray flowers are fine and small, 10 to 15 in number; white. The cups very small; silvery green. The heads are arranged in profusion along the leafy branches.

The feathery prettiness of these curving spires of green and white loses nothing of its attraction because of its plentiful growth in barren places amidst the one-toned monotony of the Goldenrods. The quality of its green deserves especial regard.

*Early Purple Aster.* Aster puniceus.

Found in August in damp or swampy places.

The stalk varies from 3 to 5 feet in height, and is widely branching; the fibre is coarse, and it is roughened by hairs. The color is green, very often becoming purple near the foot.

The leaf is a long oval (near the foot sometimes fully 3 inches long), with strong and hairy midrib, and a slightly notched margin; the edge and upper surface are disagreeably rough to the touch. In color light green, the midrib sometimes purple. The arrangement is alternate.

The disc flowers are yellow, turning to tawny; the ray flowers (20 to 30 in number) are long, and of a delicate light purple. The cups are composed of several rows of long, fine, spreading green parts. The heads are arranged in small groups, set on short stems, which rise from the angles of the leaves.

Though somewhat awkward in manner of growth the blossoms of this early Aster are very pretty and profuse. The rays, as they lie folded in the bud, are silvery pale.