aster
Aster L.
A genus overview; characteristics vary between its species.
Aster takes its name from a star, matching the radiating shape of its flower heads. Each head is a compact gathering of individual flowers, with an outer ring contrasting against the centre. The scientific genus is mainly Eurasian; many North American plants still commonly called asters now belong to related genera, including Symphyotrichum. Flora of North America: AsterWilldenowia: Which changes are needed to render all genera of the German flora monophyletic?Kew POWO: Aster L.
Botanical name
The cited taxonomic authority accepts Aster L at genus rank. Kew POWO: Aster L.
Recognizing the plant
The apparent petals are separate ray florets arranged around a crowded center of smaller disc florets. In many members of the genus, the outer ring is white, pink, blue or purple and the center is yellow. Beneath the head, overlapping bracts add another layer of structure. Most asters in the botanical genus are perennials, and their forms range from low-growing plants to taller, leafy stems. Heads may stand alone or gather into branching clusters. The rays spread outward as narrow straps, while the disc florets have small tubular corollas packed closely together. Flora of North America: Aster
Native range
Their collective native range reaches across Eurasia, into northwestern Africa and parts of northern North America; individual species occupy much smaller pieces of that geography. Kew POWO: Aster L.
Botanical sources
- Kew POWO: Aster L.
- Flora of North America: Aster
- Willdenowia: Which changes are needed to render all genera of the German flora monophyletic?
Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.