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Description
Symphyotrichum ascendens, commonly known as the Clasping Aster, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to North America and is found in the eastern and central parts of the continent. The Clasping Aster is a tall plant that can grow up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) in height. The plant produces numerous small flowers that are bluish-purple in color and bloom in late summer and early fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Symphyotrichum |
Appearance
The Clasping Aster has a thin stem that is covered with fine hairs. The leaves of the plant are alternate, narrow, and clasp the stem. The flowers are small, measuring only about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, and are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem. The flowers are bluish-purple in color and have yellow centers. The plant produces numerous flowers, which give it a very attractive appearance.
Care Guide
The Clasping Aster is a hardy plant that requires little maintenance. Here are some tips to take care of it:- Water: The plant requires moderate watering. Do not overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to encourage growth and flower production.- Soil: The Clasping Aster prefers well-drained soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types but prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil.- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will not bloom as well.- Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Clasping Aster is generally disease and pest-resistant. However, some pests and diseases that can affect the plant include:- Aphids: These tiny insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and deformed leaves.- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves, leading to leaf drop and reduced vigor.
Habitat
The Clasping Aster is native to North America and can be found in the eastern and central parts of the continent. The plant grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, fields, and along roadsides.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Clasping Aster a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, the Clasping Aster is an excellent plant for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Q: Can the Clasping Aster be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the Clasping Aster can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant and has good drainage.
Q: How often should I fertilize the Clasping Aster?
A: Fertilize the Clasping Aster once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can the Clasping Aster tolerate drought?
A: The Clasping Aster is moderately drought-tolerant but performs best with regular watering.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the Clasping Aster:- Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster)- Symphyotrichum laeve (Smooth Blue Aster)- Symphyotrichum patens (Late Purple Aster)
References
– “Symphyotrichum ascendens” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org- “Clasping Aster” North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, plants.ces.ncsu.edu- “Symphyotrichum ascendens” Illinois Wildflowers, www.illinoiswildflowers.info
