Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District
Side-Flowering Aster
(Calico Aster)
Symphyotrichum lateriflora (Aster
lateriflora)
[C-value 4]
Aster family (Asteraceae)
Blooms mid-August -
mid-October
The native Side-Flowering Aster is common in our area. It prefers light shade to partial sun and moist conditions. Habitats include moist meadows near woodlands and rivers, floodplain forests and flatwoods, woodland borders, seeps and swamps. This perennial is about 2-4' tall, branching occasionally and often leaning toward one side. The alternate narrowly lance-shaped leaves are up to 4½" long and ½" across, becoming much smaller as they ascend the stems. The upper stems and some of the side stems produce panicles, up to 10" long and 5" across, of flowers scattered along one side of the stem. Each flower is about 1/2" across with white rays.
Side-flowering Aster at Lyon Forest Preserve September 14, 2013
Side-flowering Aster at Pickerill/Pigott Forest Preserve September 21, 2014
Side-flowering Aster at Hoover Forest Preserve September 25, 2014
Side-flowering Aster foliage at Lyon Forest Preserve September 14, 2013
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