Tidal Marsh/ Annual Salt Marsh Aster

COMMON NAME: Annual Salt Marsh Aster        

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Small-flowered Salt-Marsh Aster

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Aster subulatus

FAMILY: Asteraceae

COMMUNITY: Tidal Marsh

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Annual

HEIGHT: 10 to 40 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Late August to late October

FRUITING TIME: September to late October

DISTRIBUTION: Maine to tropical America ~ Throughout coastal strip in NJ and Delaware Bay shore ~ Along tidal waters

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Flower composite with circular cluster disk surrounded by ray flowers, flower heads purple-blue ~ Leaves slender, linear, entire ~ Short taproot

GENERAL INFORMATION: This large family (Asteraceae), commonly called the Aster Family, consists of 1,314 genera and 21,000 species of herbs, shrubs, climbers and a few trees is found chiefly in temperate and subtropical regions.  The plants are of value to man as ornamentals; a few are insecticides and fish poisons. The startlike flowerheads account for the scientific and common name “aster”.  “aster” is Greek for “star”. Annual Salt Marsh Aster is found on low, wet ground of the salt marsh borders, edges of estuaries and swamps.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.