Symphyotrichum undulatum
Symphyotrichum undulatum
Synonyms: Aster corrigiatus, Aster mohrii, Aster paniculatus, Aster proteus, Aster undulatus var. torquatus, Aster linguiformis, Aster undulatus var. sylvestris, Aster undulatus var. diversifolius, Aster gracilescens, Aster undulatus var. asperulus, Aster undulatus var. triangularis, Aster scaber, Aster autumnalis, Aster asperulus, Aster diversifolius, Aster loriformis, Aster truellius, Aster triangularis, Aster undulatus var. abruptifolius, Aster undulatus var. loriformis, Aster claviger, Aster asperifolius, Aster sylvestris, Aster baldwinii, Aster heteromallus
Botanical Description
Symphyotrichum undulatum, the wavyleaf aster, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae reaching 30-160 cm in height. It is native to eastern North America, occurring from Nova Scotia and Ontario southward to Florida and west to Illinois and Louisiana, where it grows on rocky or limestone bluffs, in dry open woodlands, and on loamy soils at 200-1500 m elevation. The basal and lower stem leaves are characteristically heart-shaped with winged petioles and conspicuously wavy (undulate) margins, while upper stem leaves are sessile and clasping. From late summer into autumn the plant produces open, much-branched panicles of flower heads, each with 12-25 blue to purple ray florets surrounding 15-22 cream to pale yellow disc florets that turn purple with age. The fruit is a dull purple to tan compressed achene bearing a pappus of fine bristles.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.