Mountain aster (Oclemena acuminata, Leafl. Bot. Observ. Crit. 1: 4 (1903))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (Michx.) Greene

Bibliography: Leafl. Bot. Observ. Crit. 1: 4 (1903)

Year: 1903

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Oclemena

Vegetable: False

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

Description

Mountain aster is a perennial herbaceous plant recognized for its delicate and charming presence in the wild. Scientifically known as Oclemena acuminata, this species was first formally described in botanical literature in 1903. An esteemed member of the Asteraceae family, mountain aster showcases the characteristic radiance and resilience typical of many plants within this family.

Native to the eastern regions of Canada and the United States, mountain aster thrives in a variety of habitats, often gracing moist woodland areas, forest edges, and meadows with its elegant blooms. It is particularly adapted to cooler climates and can be commonly found flourishing in the understory of deciduous forests.

The plant features slender, upright stems that can vary in height, adorned with lance-shaped leaves that taper to a point, embodying the ‘acuminata’ part of its scientific name which means ‘pointed’. During the flowering season, it produces small, daisy-like flowers with white to pale purple rays and a striking yellow center. These blossoms not only add a sprinkle of natural beauty to their surroundings but also play a vital role in the local ecosystem by providing nectar and pollen for a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Mountain aster’s simplicity and elegance, along with its ecological importance, make it a valuable component of the flora in the regions it inhabits. Its persistence in diverse environments highlights the adaptability and enduring nature of this lovely aster, allowing it to continue bringing a touch of grace to many landscapes in eastern North America.

Common Names

Eng: mountain aster, whorled aster, whorled wood aster, sharp-leaved aster
Fra: aster acuminé
En: Mountain aster, Whorled aster, Whorled wood aster, Sharp-leaved aster
Fr: Aster acuminé

Synonyms

• Aster latifolius (Banks ex Steud.)
• Aster acuminatus (Michx.)
• Aster acuminatus var. elatior (Pursh)
• Diplostephium acuminatum (DC.)
• Aster acuminatus f. discoideus (Kuntze)
• Aster acuminatus var. pumilus (Pursh)
• Aster acuminatus var. magdalenensis (Fernald)
• Aster acuminatus f. subdiscoideus (Kuntze)
• Aster acuminatus f. virescens (Vict. & J.Rousseau)
• Aster acuminatus f. subverticillatus (Fernald)

Distribution

• Connecticut (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Switzerland (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Sep 22, 2019 by Pierre Bédard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2020 by Leyral Jules (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2021 by Pascal Guerin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2021 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2021 by Pascal Guerin (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 28, 2021 by Julie S (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2020 by David Newman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2020 by Tom Sullivan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2021 by Autumn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2021 by Friedman Gerald (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 19, 2012 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 24, 2014 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 13, 2014 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 15, 2014 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 6, 2014 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3099206)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:171495-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Oclemena acuminata (Michx.) Greene)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth