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Tatarian aster
Scientific Name: Aster tataricus
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Tatarian Aster (Aster tataricus)
The Tatarian aster, scientifically known as Aster tataricus, is a striking perennial that adds late-season color and interest to gardens.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions the plant having a root, traditionally used in tea and herbal medicines. Though not explicitly stated as toxic, it is important to research and consider traditional uses when determining safety.
Considerations for Children
- The text mentions the plant having a root, traditionally used in tea and herbal medicines. Though not explicitly stated as toxic, it is important to research and consider traditional uses when determining safety.
Common Names
- Tatarian aster
- Tatarian daisy
- Dwarf Tatarian Aster (referring to the 'Jindai' cultivar)
- Blue Lake
- Shion (Japanese name: ??)
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Aster tataricus L. f.
- Family: Asteraceae (Aster Family)
- Kingdom: Not explicitly stated but implied as Plantae (plant)
- Rank: Species
- Synonyms: Zi Wan (Radix Asteris) - (Traditional Chinese Medicine Name)
- Division: Tracheophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Asterales
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Siberia, Northern China, Mongolia, Japan, and Korea.
- Grows in prairies and meadows in its natural habitat.
- Has escaped cultivation and become invasive in some eastern and midwestern states of the USA.
Ecological Role
- Can be invasive in some regions after escaping cultivation.
- Provides a valuable late-season food source for butterflies.
- Adaptable to various landscape conditions.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Erect, tall-growing perennial, typically reaching 3 to 6 feet in height, with species plants potentially reaching 6-7 feet tall.
- Some cultivars, like 'Jin-Dai', are more compact, growing to 3-4 feet tall.
- Strong stems that seldom require staking, even in adverse weather conditions.
- Paddle-shaped lower leaves can be up to 24 inches long and 6 inches wide.
- Wide lance-shaped leaves can reach 12 inches in length.
- Small but abundant flowers (up to 1 inch across) with deep lavender to blue petals and glowing yellow centers.
- Flowers bloom in clusters, typically in September.
- Large leaves emerge in the spring, providing a backdrop for earlier blooming perennials.
Quirky Facts
- In the Japanese language of flowers, Aster tataricus symbolizes "I won't forget you."
- The cultivar 'Jin Dai' was discovered at the Jin Dai Botanical Garden in Tokyo.
- One source mentions obtaining a start of the plant from a 19th-century farm in North Carolina.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- A valuable late season food source for butterflies.
- Subject to stem rot caused by the fungus Sclerotium rolfsii.
- Good fall flower for pollinators.
Further Information
- Dave's Garden (mentioned as a community for sharing gardening tips and ideas)
- IRMNG (as a source for taxonomic information)
- Digging Dog Mail Order Nursery (source for 'Jindai' cultivar)
- Plant Delights Nursery (source for 'Jindai' cultivar)
- Discover Life (biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution)