Michaelmas daisy (Symphyotrichum pilosum, Phytologia 77(3): 289 (1995))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (Willd.) G.L.Nesom

Bibliography: Phytologia 77(3): 289 (1995)

Year: 1995

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Symphyotrichum

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Michaelmas daisy, scientifically known as Symphyotrichum pilosum, is a captivating species belonging to the family Asteraceae. This perennial herb is indigenous to a wide range stretching from Eastern Canada down to North Carolina, and across the eastern United States. Often flourishing in late summer and early fall, the Michaelmas daisy graces gardens, meadows, and natural landscapes with its delicate and abundant flowers.

The plant, recognized by its bushy clusters of small, daisy-like blossoms, showcases a palette of white, purple, pink, and blue hues. Each flowerhead, typically about an inch in diameter, is composed of numerous petals surrounding a central yellow disc, creating a charming and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The stems are slightly pilose, hence the species name ‘pilosum,’ which implies a hairy texture.

The Michaelmas daisy is well-suited for temperate climates and adapts readily to a variety of soil types, although it thrives best in well-drained, moderately fertile soil under full sunlight. Gardeners often find the plant to be a resilient addition to flower beds and borders, contributing both color and structure. Moreover, its late blooming period extends the ornamental interest of gardens well into autumn, a time when many other flowering plants begin to wane.

Beyond its visual appeal, Symphyotrichum pilosum holds ecological value as well. It attracts a host of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, playing a vital role in local ecosystems. The nectar and pollen provided by the flowers support these pollinators, which in turn aid in the reproduction of numerous plant species.

The taxonomic identification of the Michaelmas daisy has been detailed in scientific literature, specifically in Phytologia 77(3): 289 (1995), authored by G.L. Nesom. This formal description facilitated a better understanding and classification of the species within the rich Asteraceae family.

In conclusion, the Michaelmas daisy is not only cherished for its ornamental splendor but also for its contribution to ecological sustainability. Its adaptable nature and the ability to attract important pollinators make it a cherished plant both in natural habitats and cultivated gardens.

Common Names

Eng: awl aster, frost aster, frost-weed aster, hairy aster, hairy white oldfield aster, heath aster, michaelmas daisy, nailrod, old-field aster, pringle’s aster, steelweed, white heath aster, white old-field aster, old field aster, frostweed, hairy white old field aster, white old field aster
Deu: behaarte herbstaster, weichhaarige aster
Fra: aster poilu
Swe: filtaster
En: Michaelmas daisy, Pringle’s aster, Awl aster, Frost aster, Frost-weed aster, Hairy aster, Hairy white oldfield aster, Heath aster, Nailrod, Old-field aster, Steelweed, White heath aster, White old-field aster, Old field aster, Frostweed, Hairy white old field aster, White old field aster
Fr: Aster poilu
De: Behaarte Herbstaster, Weichhaarige Aster
Sv: Filtaster

Synonyms

• Aster ericoides var. pilosus ((Willd.) Porter)
• Aster pilosus (Willd.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Belgium (introduced)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Jan 14, 2017 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 14, 2017 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 30, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Oct 12, 2022 by la villa mariposa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 21, 2021 by Nadine Jüttner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2020 by Birgit Winter (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2020 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2020 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Habit

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

Taken Oct 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 26, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Michel Pansiot (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 18, 2020 by Gonzalez Ricard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Michel Pansiot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2022 by DD S. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2022 by Hi Bye (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Oct 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Oct 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken Oct 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Bark

Taken Oct 18, 2020 by Gonzalez Ricard (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3151755)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:981879-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Symphyotrichum pilosum (Willd.) G.L.Nesom)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth