Aster dumosus
Copyright, Janet Novak
Bushy Aster is one of
many species of aster found in our area. Many of them look
alike, and it is very difficult to tell them
apart. The Aster Family
(Asteraceae) is huge and includes plants such as sunflowers
and dandelions. Bushy Aster grows up to
three feet tall. It has leafy branches and many small flower
heads. Flowers
are white or lavender with a yellow center. Flower heads are
usually 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch wide. Copyright 1997-2001,
Charles Lewallen
Copyright 1997-2001, Charles Lewallen
While some other asters
grow in woods, Bushy Aster is usually found growing in open
places, including fields,
meadows,
and thickets. Bushy Aster is
perennial,
which means flowers and stems will die, but the
roots
stay alive from year to year. Each Spring, new stems and
leaves are sent up. Like most asters, Bushy Aster bloooms
late, from August to October. Todd Boland
Copyright, Janet
Novak Bushy Aster has two kinds
of leaves. Stem leaves, which grow on the main stems, can be
up to three inches long. Branch leaves, which grow on side
branches, are much smaller. Both leaves are skinny with
rough edges. Bushy Aster spreads by
both seed
and rhizome.
Rhizomes are underground stems that grow sideways and send
up new plants. Seeds are small
achenes,
and they look like parachutes. They are usually spread by
wind. Some animals that eat aster seeds include: Wild
Turkey, American Goldfinch, sparrows, Eastern Chipmunk, and
White-footed Mouse. Some animals that eat
aster leaves include: White-tailed Deer, Eastern Cottontail,
Aster Leafhopper, Pearly Crescentspot, and Painted Lady,
among others. Asters depend on insects
to pollinate
them. Some insects that take pollen
from one plant to another include bees, butterflies, and
flies.
