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lance-leaved American-aster

Symphyotrichum lanceolatum
Asteraceae

Young shoots mid-May
Growing stems early July
Branching stems early September
Unopened flower heads late September
Opened flower heads and plenty more to come early October
White ray florets and yellow disk florets
Panicle of flower heads
Dead leaves persist on stem
Abundant flower heads on slender stems mid-October

The lance-leaved American-aster is a perennial forb native to much of North America.  Its ability to propagate via rhizomes means that it usually occurs as a clump of clonal stems.  Under the right conditions the erect stems can grow to five feet in height.  This aster was a common plant in the historic tall prairie habitats of the Midwest.

At Salter Grove, clumps of lance-leaved American-aster can be found growing near trail marker U10 by the boat launch, and in scattered locations throughout the park.  It is usually found along edges of woodland where several hours of full sun exposure results in tall plants.  Shaded individuals tend to be short and somewhat sprawling.  The masses of white flowers produced are visited by large numbers of bumblebees and other insects during September and October when few other plants are flowering.

Asters are difficult to tell apart.  The lance-leaved American-aster presents its flower heads in loose branching clusters and characteristically retains curly dead leaves on its stem.

Native Americans used this plant to treat a variety of ailments.  An infusion was applied to wounds caused by arrows or bullets.  The dried plant was pulverized to treat abrasions to the skin from wearing ceremonial masks.  Smoke from burning the dried blossoms was inhaled for nosebleeds.  A tea of the plant was used to treat fever.