Edge/ Heath Aster

COMMON NAME: Heath Aster     

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Frost Aster

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Aster pilsusu

FAMILY: Asteraceae

COMMUNITY: Edge

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: 4 to 60 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Early August to November

FRUITING TIME: September to November

DISTRIBUTION: Maine to Florida ~ Statewide in New Jersey

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Robust plant, hairy ~ Leaves basal and above, toothed, lance to elliptic ~ Flowers white, sometimes purple, many headed

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. Generally Asters were called “Michaelmas Daisies”.  Michaelmas is a church festival on September 29 celebrating the Archangel Michael; cultivated Michaelmas Daisies are hybrid Asters.  Asters are also called “Starwoorts” and “Sharewoorts” in Gerards Herbal (1633). The common, large, double-flowered garden aster belongs to a different genus, Callistephus. Though very abundant in old fields, grasslands, and shaded woods, Asters are of very little use to wildlife.  A few upland and songbirds eat the seeds.

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.