More on Asters

I found a new aster on my property this fall courtesy of the wind or some bird, chipmunk, rabbit or other wondering wildlife.  It is growing under the American Yew (Taxus canadensis) hedge in my pool area. It’s just a tiny plant, but it’s blooming which is why it caught my eye. I believe it is a Heart-leaved Aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium fna Aster cordifolius).

In searching for confirmation of the i.d., I discovered a wonderful garden in Minneapolis, Minnesota called the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden. I envy the Wild Ones Twin Cities members for being so close to this lovely wildflower site.

In an earlier post I mentioned that my favorite aster is the Calico Aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum fna Aster lateriflorus). What I didn’t mention was the insect magnet it is.

Thank you Becky Erickson for helping me identify some of these insects. Becky also referred me to the Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America by Eric Eaton and Kenn Kaufman. It’s a great resource. I’m also going to give BugGuide a try.

(Double-click on the photos below to see an enlarged version.)

For more information on asters.