Alpine aster (Aster alpinus, Sp. Pl.: 872 (1753))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 872 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Aster

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe to N. China and Iran

Description

The Alpine aster, known scientifically as Aster alpinus, is a delightful and enduring member of the Asteraceae family. The species was first formally described in 1753 and is recognized for its historical and botanical significance. The Alpine aster is notable for its broad geographical distribution, thriving in regions spanning from Europe all the way to North China and Iran. This expanse across diverse climatic zones highlights the plant’s impressive adaptability and hardiness.

Alpine asters are cherished for their enchanting blooms, each displaying vividly colored petals that range from soft lavenders to deeper purple hues, often accompanied by a golden yellow center. These blossoms typically appear in late spring and early summer, adding a splash of color to alpine meadows and rocky outcrops.

In horticulture, the Alpine aster is prized not only for its beauty but also for its resilience. It is well-suited to rock gardens, borders, and as part of naturalized planting schemes. Gardners appreciate its ability to withstand cold temperatures and its preference for well-drained soils, replicating its natural mountainous habitats. Moreover, the plant’s relative ease of care makes it a favorite among both seasoned gardeners and novices.

The Alpine aster also plays an essential role in supporting pollinators. Its flowers attract a variety of insects, including bees and butterflies, thus contributing to local biodiversity and the health of ecosystems where it is planted.

Overall, Aster alpinus is both a botanically intriguing and visually stunning species that exemplifies the beauty and resilience of alpine flora. Whether in the wild or cultivated in a garden, the Alpine aster continues to captivate and charm all who encounter it.

Common Names

Deu: alpen-aster
Swe: alpaster
Eng: alpine aster, blue alpine daisy
Fra: aster des alpes, aster alpin
En: Alpine aster, Blue alpine daisy, Даг хой-караа
Ar: نجم ألبي
Az: Alp çayırçiçəyi
Be: Астра альпійская
Bg: Алпийско димитровче
Ca: Aster alpí, Àster alpí
Zh: Gao shan zi wan, 高山紫菀
Cs: Hvězdnice alpská
Nl: Bergaster, Alpenaster
Fi: Alppiasteri
Fr: Aster des Alpes, Aster alpin
De: Alpen-Aster, Alpen Aster
It: Astro alpino
Kk: Альпі астрасы
Fa: مینای دائم
Ro: Ochiul boului de munte
Sr: Алпски звездан
Sk: Astra alpínska
Sv: Alpaster
Zh-tw: 高山紫菀
Tt: Әлп кашкарые
Tr: Alpin yıldızpatısı
Uk: Айстра альпійська

Synonyms

• Diplactis alpina ((L.) Semple)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Albania (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Altay (native)
• Amur (native)
• Austria (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• Chita (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Iran (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 13, 2021 by marc Lacaille (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2018 by Aurelie Moerman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 11, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2018 by Mihajlo Tomić (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 20, 2017 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 12, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2018 by Kristen Nelson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2018 by Sonya Charest (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2022 by Sébastien Puechmaille (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 27, 2021 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2022 by Sébastien Puechmaille (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 11, 2020 by Lejarazu Edorta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Philippe FOURTIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 13, 2020 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2022 by Sébastien Puechmaille (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by fabienne trivero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 30, 2021 by Landschaftsgärtner (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 7, 2021 by Ivan Vukasinovic (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 1, 2007 by EOL − Václav Dvořák (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 3, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2021 by Liane Rott (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5387396)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30147822-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Aster alpinus L.)

Specifications

Growth