Bushy aster (Symphyotrichum dumosum, Phytologia 77(3): 280 (1995))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (L.) G.L.Nesom

Bibliography: Phytologia 77(3): 280 (1995)

Year: 1995

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Symphyotrichum

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to U.S.A., Hispaniola

Description

Bushy aster, scientifically known as Symphyotrichum dumosum, is a charming member of the Asteraceae family, often appreciated for its dense, bush-like growth habit and delicate blossoms. This perennial plant is part of the diverse aster family, offering late-season hues that extend the beauty of the garden well into the fall.

Symphyotrichum dumosum is native to regions extending from Eastern Canada to the United States, and further south to Hispaniola. These geographical locations indicate that Bushy aster is well-adapted to a range of climates and can thrive in various environmental conditions. It typically flourishes in open, sunny sites and can often be found in meadows, along roadsides, and in fields, displaying a robust resistance to different soil types and weather patterns.

Characterized by its multiple, sturdy stems, Bushy aster creates an interconnected bounty of flowers that bloom usually in late summer to fall. The flowers themselves are small but plentiful, offering a symphony of colors that range from pale lavender to violet, each with a cheerful yellow center. This composite flowerhead is a quintessential identifier of the Asteraceae family, embracing the familiar daisy-like appearance that gardeners and nature enthusiasts find so appealing.

The lush foliage, comprising narrow, lance-shaped leaves, forms a dense backdrop that only enhances the plant’s floral display. These leaves are not only functional, supporting the plant’s photosynthesis and growth, but they also add to its visual appeal even when the plant is not in full bloom.

Historically, the plant was first fully documented in scientific literature in 1995 in Phytologia, marking a notable point in its botanical recognition and classification. The work of G.L. Nesom, who is credited with the authorship, contributed significantly to the understanding and taxonomy of this species.

Bushy aster is not only an attractive addition to a garden, but it also plays a valuable role in the ecosystem. As a late bloomer, it provides vital nectar for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other insects during a time when many other floral resources are dwindling. This ecological contribution underscores the plant’s importance beyond its ornamental value.

Overall, Symphyotrichum dumosum stands out for its resilience, beauty, and ecological significance. Whether in a natural setting or cultivated garden, the bushy aster offers a delightful sight that encapsulates the enduring charm of late-season flora.

Common Names

Eng: bushy aster, long-stalk aster, rice button aster, rice-button aster
Deu: kissen-aster, kissen-herbstaster, buschige aster
Fra: aster nain d’automne, aster touffu
En: Bushy aster, Long-stalk aster, Rice button aster, Rice-button aster, Long-stalked Aster
Fr: Aster nain d’automne, Aster touffu
De: Kissen-Aster, Kissen-Herbstaster, Buschige Aster

Synonyms

• Aster dumosus var. subulifolius (Torr. & A.Gray)
• Aster gracilipes (Alexander ex Small)
• Aster dumosus var. violaceus (Pursh)
• Aster dumosus var. verus (Torr. & A.Gray)
• Symphyotrichum dumosum var. subulifolium ((Torr. & A.Gray) G.L.Nesom)
• Leiachenis sparsiflorus (Raf.)
• Leiachenis dumosa (Raf.)
• Symphyotrichum dumosum var. strictior ((Torr. & A.Gray) G.L.Nesom)
• Aster dumosus f. monocephalus (Farw.)
• Aster dumosus var. pergracilis (Wiegand)
• Aster dumosus var. strictior (Torr. & A.Gray)
• Aster coridifolius (Michx.)
• Aster dumosus var. subracemosus (Torr. & A.Gray)
• Aster dumosus var. dodgei (Fernald)
• Aster dumosus var. foliosus (Alph.Wood)
• Aster dumosus var. gracilentus (Torr. & A.Gray)
• Aster dumosus var. gracilipes (Wiegand)
• Aster dumosus var. albus (Pursh)
• Aster dumosus var. coridifolius ((Michx.) Torr. & A.Gray)
• Aster dumosus (L.)
• Symphyotrichum dumosum var. dodgei ((Fernald) G.L.Nesom)
• Symphyotrichum dumosum var. gracilipes ((Wiegand) G.L.Nesom)
• Symphyotrichum dumosum var. pergracile ((Wiegand) G.L.Nesom)
• Aster foliaceus var. coridifolius ((Michx.) Nutt.)
• Aster luengoi (Sennen)
• Aster fragilis (Lindl.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Belgium (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• Romania (introduced)
• South European Russi (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)

Additional Images

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

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

Flower

Taken Nov 8, 2022 by Ralf Rombach (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2021 by Roberta Moro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2022 by Mia Tropp (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2022 by wouter wouter (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2021 by Zdenka Crhova (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 5, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 21, 2022 by c gore (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Daniel FRAMBOURT (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 5, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:981804-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3151434)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Symphyotrichum dumosum (L.) G.L.Nesom)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Soil nutriments: 8