Aster curtisii
Family - Astereae
This fall blooming wildflower is found in the high mountainous areas of Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia. Primarily a woodland wildflower, it blooms during September and October. The violet blue flowers are about one inch in diameter and fade to magenta as the season progresses.
Like most asters, the plant height can be variable, from two to five feet in height. The leaves are dagger shaped, larger at the base of the plant. The stem leaves taper to petioles, or stems. Most other asters taper and clasp to the stem of the plant, with no leaf stem.
The aster family is quite large, with many species closely resembling each other. The serious wildflower fancier should invest in a couple of good wildflower field manual to assure proper identification.
Aster curtisii grows erect, in contrast to most species which will arch or nod. It is clump forming, and may be present in large colonies in the beautiful mountainous terrain it calls home.
Most of the fall blooming asters are violet in color, and Aster curtisii another beautiful example of this. The range of this aster is a bit more restricted than most as it is found mainly in the mountainous areas of the south. Enjoy it during autumn mountain hikes and drives.