Aster
About the Aster
Named from the Greek word for star, describing their star-shaped flower heads. They are the birth flower for September. Over 600 species exist. They are one of the last flowers to bloom in autumn, providing critical late-season nectar for pollinators. New England aster can reach 2 meters tall. They hybridize freely, creating thousands of garden varieties. They are important in Chinese culture, symbolizing fidelity. The pollen can cause allergies in some people. They attract butterflies and bees in large numbers.
Related Flowers
Sunflower
Young sunflowers track the sun across the sky (heliotropism) by growing more on the east s...
Dahlia
The national flower of Mexico, where they were cultivated by the Aztecs for food, medicine...
Marigold
Used in Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations - believed to guide spirits home with their v...
Chrysanthemum
One of the most cultivated flowers in the world, with over 20,000 varieties. The Japanese ...