Part 43

*Pointed-leaved Aster.* Aster acuminatus.

Found in August in rich woods (Mountains of Vermont).

It grows about 1 foot high, and has a slender, sometimes zigzag stalk, which is slightly rough, and bears the leaves and flowers clustered at the top.

The leaf, from 2 to 4 inches long, tapers at tip and base, and is coarsely toothed on the edge; the surface is a little hairy, and the texture is thin; the leaves, set directly on the stalk, are alternate at short distances, giving the effect of a whorl of leaves. Color green.

The flower-head has from 12 to 18 long, narrow, rays, white or faintly tinted with violet, while the disc flowers are dull yellow. The flower-heads are apt to be few, on slender stems in a branching cluster, on the top of the stalk.

This Aster lacks richness of color, but has a certain charm of slender growth peculiar to wood Asters; its few pale flowers set above the full cluster of the broad pale leaves have an air of selection, unknown to its more luxuriant relatives.

*Broad-leaved Aster.* Aster macrophyllus.

Found in the woods in September, generally in upland regions.

The single, very stout growing, stalk is between 1 and 2 feet in height; it is slightly rough to the touch. In color light green.

The lowest leaves (generally 3 in number) are very conspicuous, being especially large, and nearly round, with a heart-shaped base, and a suddenly sharp tip; with many ribs, and the margins prettily cut in rounding scallops, with tiny sharp teeth; these leaves are set on long trough-like stems that clasp the stalk. The upper leaves become, very abruptly, quite small; with fine-pointed tips, entire, slightly and irregularly notched margins, and showing only the midrib; they are set on very short stems, or, near the flowers, are placed immediately upon the stalk. All the foliage is exceptionally thin in texture, and rough on both surfaces; the arrangement is alternate. The color is a fine gray-toned green.

The disc flower is small; yellow turning to brown; the rays, 12 to 16 in number, are long and slender, of a very delicate texture, and pale lilac (sometimes nearly white it is asserted) in color. The cup is cylindrical, and slightly sticky, as are the foot-stems. The heads are arranged in a loose, terminal cluster.

An odor of camphor mingles with the sweet scent of these flowers, and is distinctly perceptible at a distance. The decorative quality of the leafage is of unique excellence.

*Pine Aster.* Aster linariifolius.

Found chiefly on the edges of pine woods in September.

The stalk reaches from 1 to 2 feet in height; it is single, leafy, slender, and rough to the touch. In color, pale green, tinged with red.

The leaf is long, and narrow, with an entire margin; the surface covered with a minute down that is harsh to the touch; the fibre is stiff. The color is green. The leaves are set upon the stalk, irregularly, alternating, and numerous.

The disc flowers are yellow; the ray flowers, 12 to 20 in number, are long and slender, and pale bluish-lavender in color. The heads are few, and grow, on slender stems, either singly, or in a terminal flat-topped cluster.

The stiff edges of the leaves and their rigid bearing are not unlike the needles which carpet the favorite haunts this Aster loves. Though not pleasant to pluck, on account of its harsh texture, this is a very attractive plant to look upon.

*Variable-leaved Aster.* Aster undulatus.

Found in dry woods, and thickets, during September.

The slender, branching stalk (2 to 3 feet high) is soft, with down, to the touch. Light green in color. Leaning and swaying in gesture.

The leaves are very variable in shape, the lowest being decidedly heart-shaped, and set on long margined stems (these margins somewhat notched) that clasp the stalk with shallow wings; above, the leaves are somewhat heart-shaped, and are set on short stems, that clasp the stalk with broad wings; while the upper leaves are set immediately upon the stalk, and clasp it by their prolonged bases. All the leaves have tapering tips, entire, or very slightly, notched margins, with a rough upper surface, while underneath it they are soft-hairy to the touch; they are placed alternately. The color is cool green.

The disc flowers are pale yellow at first, but become reddish-brown in maturity. The ray flowers, 10 to 20 in number, are pale lavender or lilac. The heads are arranged in loose clusters.

The color of this leafage, and its shapes, are very pleasing. Gray’s Manual states the color of its rays as “bright blue”!

*Later Purple Aster.* Aster patens.

Found during September and October along the borders of dry woods and thickets.

The stalk (from 1 to 2 and ½ feet high) is branching, and leafy, with a fine texture, and smooth surface; slender and swaying in growth. Its color is sometimes green, often a dull reddish-purple.

The leaf is long, and narrow, tapering at the tip, and partly clasping the stalk at the base; the margin is slightly rough to the touch, the texture is firm and thick, and the surface is smooth to the touch. Color, a cool dark grayish-green. The arrangement is alternate.