Aster (syn. Diplopappus Cass.) is a genus of
flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. The genus once contained nearly
600 species in Eurasia and North America, but after morphologic and molecular
research on the genus during the 1990s, it was decided that the North
American species are better treated in a series of other genera. After
this split there are roughly 180 species within the genus, all but one
being confined to Eurasia. The name Aster comes from the Ancient Greek
word astron, meaning "star", arriving through the Latin word
astrum with the same meaning, referring to the shape of the flower head.
Many species and a variety of hybrids and varieties are popular as garden
plants because of their attractive and colourful flowers. Aster species
are used as food plants by the larvae of a number of Lepidoptera species
- see list of Lepidoptera that feed on Aster. Asters can grow in all hardiness
zones.
The genus Aster is now generally restricted to the Old World species,
with Aster amellus being the type species of the genus, as well as of
the family Asteraceae. The New World species have now been reclassified
in the genera Almutaster, Canadanthus, Doellingeria, Eucephalus, Eurybia,
Ionactis, Oligoneuron, Oreostemma, Sericocarpus and Symphyotrichum, though
all are treated within the tribe Astereae. Regardless of the taxonomic
change, all are still widely referred to as "asters" in the
horticultural trades
How to grow
Asters grow best in full sun in good garden soil but also tolerate sandy
and clay soils that are difficult for other plants. Divide them every
three years and refresh the soil to keep plants healthy. Pinch tall asters
back quite hard in midsummer to promote branching and flowering on shorter
stems that need no staking.
Propagation
By division in spring, also from seed
Uses
Asters are excellent in garden borders and mass plantings. Containers
of asters in bloom are popular in fall. Asters make good cut flowers.
Related species
Aster tataricus is a seven-foot species with clusters of lavender flowers.
A. novae angliae can be the tall wild type but has also been bred into
dwarf forms that stay low without pinching. A. tongolensis is a small
rock-garden perennial.
Scientific name
Aster species
|
