Michaelmas Daisy
by Kristin Elmquist
Title
Michaelmas Daisy
Artist
Kristin Elmquist
Medium
Photograph
Description
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (formerly Aster novae-angliae) is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family (Asteraceae) commonly known as New England aster, hairy Michaelmas-daisy or Michaelmas daisy. It is a perennial and herbaceous plant native to eastern North America that is usually 1–4 feet tall and 2–3 ft wide. Each flower head has many florets put together into what appear as one.
The usually deep-purple flowers have up to 100 ray florets, which are rarely pink or white, surrounding the flower centers. The flower centers are composed of just as many tiny yellow disk florets. The plant grows in clumps, with several erect stems emerging from a single point. The stems are stout, hairy, and mostly unbranched. The untoothed, lance-shaped leaves clasp the stem, and the lower leaves often wither by the time of flowering.
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae generally grows in wet environments but also has been found in dry soil or sand. The seeds and nectar of this mostly conservationally secure species, which blooms August to November, are important to a wide variety of animals, including birds, bees, and butterflies. It has been introduced to Europe, Central Asia, Hispaniola, New Zealand, and some western states and provinces of North America.
The naturally-occurring hybrid species of New England aster and white heath aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides) is named Symphyotrichum x amethystinum, and is commonly known as amethyst aster. It can grow where the two parents are in close proximity. There are roughly 50 cultivars available, including the award-winners 'Brunswick', 'Helen Picton', and 'James Ritchie'.
Uploaded
July 1st, 2021
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