SafePlants

Aster alpinus: The Alpine Aster

Aster alpinus, commonly known as Alpine aster, blue alpine daisy, or rock aster, is a delightful herbaceous perennial flower that brings color to gardens with its early spring and summer blooms.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions "hairy leaves," which may be a consideration for pets that might ingest the plant.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Aster alpinus
• Common Name: Alpine aster, blue alpine daisy, rock aster
• Family: Asteraceae (Aster Family)
• Taxonomic Rank: Subspecies (a subspecies is native to Canada and the United States)
• Varieties: Aster alpinus var. superbus ('Dark Beauty')

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the mountains of Europe, including the Alps.
• A subspecies is native to Canada and the United States.
• Adapted to calcareous soils.
• Found in alpine meadows.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Herbaceous perennial flower.
• Clump-forming perennial that grows to a height of about a foot.
• Forms a low carpet of bright green leaves.
• Stems are ascending to decumbent, measuring from 3-40 cm.
• Leaves in basal rosette, linear to lance-shaped, 1-6 inches long, without petioles, woolly when young.
• Produces spring and summer flowers, with lilac and orange-colored flowerheads.
• Typically blooms in May and June, earlier than most asters.

Ecological Role

• Profuse flowers attract butterflies.

Cultivation and Uses

• Ornamental plant, often grown in rock gardens or used for edging in perennial borders.
• Suitable for the front of the garden border or rock garden.
• Likes full sun but will grow in light shade.
• Grows well in any good, well-drained soil.
• Seed should be planted in the garden after the soil has warmed.
• Attractive planted with spring-flowering perennials or bulbs.

Further Information

• Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)
• Dave's Garden
• Flora of North America (FNA)