SmoothBlueAster

=Smooth Blue Aster =

(Aster Laevis) 


 This species of flower is included in the [|Asteraceae] family. The meaning of the the word //aster// is star, coming from the Latin word, //astrum.//[1]

The plant itself has a hairless central stem and hairless leaves. It can grow anywhere from 1 ½ feet to 3 feet tall. The leaves are all a grayish green or blueish green and get to be about 4 inches long and 1 ½ inches wide. The flower petals are a lavender or light blue-purple color. The center of the flower is yellow and turns redish brown over time. They are known for their pretty colors and showy petals.

Smooth blue aster has no noticeable scent and the blooming period occurs in the late summer, early fall. The plant lasts for about three to four weeks. [2]  It has a high nutritional value for the species that eats it, mainly the white-tailed deer. It also attracts butterflies. [3]  This plant is mainly found in the east, from northern Canada to Nebraska. [4]



1. This is the Wikipedia site for aster [|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aster_(genus)]    <span style="font-size: 90%; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">2. This is the Illinois wild flower web page   <span style="font-size: 90%; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"> http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/sm_asterx.htm
 * Links:**

3. This is a garden guide to plants <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">http://www.gardenguides.com/plants/plantguides/flowers/plantguide.asp?symbol=SYLAL3

4. This is the USDA site for aster: <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_sylal3.pdf