Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District
Crooked-Stem
Aster
(Zig-Zag Aster)
Aster prenanthoides
(Symphyotrichum prenanthoides)
[C-value
10]
Aster family (Asteraceae)
Blooms mid-August -
September
The native Crooked-Stem Aster is uncommon in our area. It likes shade to part shade and moist to slightly moist loamy soil. Habitats include shady areas in moist meadows or along streams and ponds. This perennial is 1–3½' tall with a central stem that zigzags - hence its other common name. Alternate leaves occur along the entire length of the stems, up to 5" long and ¾" across and narrowly lance-shaped, and nearly toothless. The central stem terminates in a panicle of blue-violet flowers, 1"-1½" wide.
Crooked-Stem Aster at Hoover Forest Preserve (native garden) September 25, 2014
Crooked-Stem Aster foliage at Hoover Forest Preserve (native garden) September 25, 2014
Crooked-Stem Aster at Lyon Forest Preserve moist area September 22, 2014
Crooked-Stem Aster foliage at Lyon Forest Preserve moist area September 22, 2014
Crooked-Stem Aster seedheads at Lyon Forest Preserve October 31, 2014
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