What is the Asteraceae family?
The Asteraceae family is one of the largest flowering plant families, with over 1600 genera and 2500 species worldwide. Some of its most well-known taxa are lettuce, chicory, artichoke, daisy and dandelion. The members of the Asteraceae have been used in the diet and for medicine for centuries. Here’s how it works. If you have a garden, you likely have one or more members of the aster family (Asteraceae) growing. This is the largest family of flowering plants, with about 1,100 genera and more than 20,000 species. They range from sunflowers and daisies to dandelions, lettuce, and chicory.The Asteraceae family is unique because of their composite flowers. What looks like one single flower is actually many small flowers attached to a specialized part of the stalk called the receptacle.
Can you plant asters in the fall?
The best time to plant young asters is in mid- to late spring. Fully-grown, potted asters may be planted as soon as they become available in your area (typically in the fall). Asters are star-like wildflowers found in open areas or disturbed areas with lots of sun and fertile, well-drained soil. If the soil conditions are right, Asters can survive throughout the winter and are generally considered perennial flowering plants (they regrow every year).Water well after planting and water regularly until established. Pinch out a third of the flowering stems in midsummer to encourage a longer flowering season. It’s possible to cut down hard after the asters have finished flowering in October, or leave the seed heads in place for winter interest and to support wildlife.Asters provide nectar, pollen and foliage for several native insects. Some of the pollinators and nectar-seekers visiting aster flowers include long- and short-tongued bees, honeybees, bumblebees, bee flies and butterflies. The plant serves as a host for several species of moths.They generally flower in late summer and autumn, which gives them their common name Michaelmas daisy. Asters are ideal for growing in mixed borders, with grasses and other prairie-type perennials.These small, star-shaped flowers come in more than 600 different varieties. Their cheery blooms brighten up any garden in the late summer and early autumn months. However, to keep them truly perennial, a gardener must properly care for asters. Perennial flowers will come back for at least three years.
Can you smoke aster flowers?
Asters were burned and smoked in ancient times as a means of warding off negative energy. They have been used in remembrance and also medicinally to treat headaches, colds and muscle aches. Asters provide nectar, pollen and foliage for several native insects. Some of the pollinators and nectar-seekers visiting aster flowers include long- and short-tongued bees, honeybees, bumblebees, bee flies and butterflies. The plant serves as a host for several species of moths.Most species of asters are not poisonous to humans, dogs, cats or livestock. In fact, the flowers of Chinese asters, Callistephus chinensis are edible. Most asters are safe to plant in the garden where children, dogs, cats or livestock might come in contact with them.Asters have been used for centuries in Chinese medicine for treating of pain, fevers, diarrhea and weak skin. Flowers and leaves can be eaten fresh or dried. Native Americans harvested wild aster for the roots of the plant, which they used in soups.Asters are a great fall flower and are usually sold around the same time as mums. Luckily, these beauties are considered nontoxic to dogs, cats, and horses.If you’re concerned about the bees, do your part in supporting your local pollinators. Asters provide these fuzzy friends and other important insects with a place to rest, to snack, and to stock up on important pollen that they then spread around to help the environment flourish.
What are the characteristics of the aster flower?
The wood aster tolerates shade better than other asters, grows 4 to 6 feet tall and produces clouds of tiny white flowers. The smooth aster grows to 4 feet tall and is known for good disease resistance. The aromatic aster grows 2 to 4 feet tall, has fragrant leaves and tolerates dry soil better than other aster types. Asters produce large clusters of flowers in white, purple, lavender, pink, and red. The plants tolerate poor soil and dryness but bloom poorly in dry soil. They grow two to five feet tall and are spaced 15 inches apart. They multiply rapidly so may need frequent division.Most asters grow well in full sun; they will flower okay in light shade, but the shadier the location the less flowers. Some types are suitable for slightly shady borders. Many asters grow well in fertile soil that holds plenty of moisture in spring and summer.Today, while the edibility of aster flowers is not in question, they are more commonly used added to tea blends, eaten fresh in salads, or used as a garnish. Asters should be harvested in full bloom in the early morning after the dew has dried.Yes you can grow Aster flowers in India. These flowers generally prefer slightly cool weather to grow.Aster flowers generally prefer cool seasons, putting out the most blooms during late summer to fall. Extreme heat can be stressful, especially for new plantings, so take care if you experience harsh, hot summers. However, these resilient plants tend to find a way to survive.
What is the scientific name for aster?
Botanical name: Aster, Callistephus, Eurybia, Kalimeris, Symphyotrichum. Common name: Michaelmas daisy, aster, China aster, New England asters. Asters are popular plants, unrivalled for their range of late-season flower colour between summer and the end of autumn. According to the ancient Greeks, the aster flower came to be when the Greek god, Astraea, was saddened by how few stars were in the sky. One night, she was so upset that she began to cry. As the tears streamed down her face and hit the ground, they turned into beautiful star-shaped aster flowers.The Aster is a unique daisy-like wildflower that’s known for its star-shaped flower head. Aster meanings include love and wisdom. With a rich history in Greek mythology, it’s said that the aster was created by the tears of the Greek goddess, Astraea.Daisy look-alike Asters are star-shaped flowers that boast multiple vibrant hues. The flowers are long admired for their beauty and known for their gorgeous array of shapes, sizes and styles. Also known as the ‘Enchanted flowers’, Asters are widely used to style decorative arrangements for birthdays and anniversaries.Asters were very good at conveying different emotions and messages. The aster was seen as a symbol of love, patience and wisdom, making it the perfect gift for a loved one. Asters also represented elegance and grace, two qualities that were highly valued in Victorian England.The name Aster comes from the Ancient Greek astēr (ἀστήρ), meaning ‘star,’ and also refers to a star- shaped flower. Which is fitting since our Aster is equal parts celestial beauty, hope, and light.