GOLDEN-ROD AND ASTERS. 



239 



and widely distributed over the stems. Common on 

 moist ground. The most - familiar wild aster, now 

 extensively cultivated. 



2. Aster Novi-Belgii. Willow-leaved blue aster. 

 Blooms in September. Leaves narrow, lance-shaped, 

 without teeth or with a very few, 



usually a trifle hairy ; sometimes 

 quite rough above, and in a 

 few forms wholly smooth, 

 the upper ones somewhat 

 clasping the stems. Stem 

 smooth or slightly hairy. 

 Flower bluish violet, showy, 

 as large as a silver half dol- 

 lar ; the little green scales un- 

 derneath loose. This species is 

 common along the Atlantic bor- 

 der ; it blooms late, and is rarely 

 over two feet high. 



3. Aster puniceus. Purple- 

 stemmed aster. Blooms about the Aster 

 first of September. Leaves very 



rough-hairy, oblong lance-shaped, very slightly nar- 

 rowed at the stem-clasping base, pointed, without 

 teeth, nearly smooth beneath, and dull green. Stem 

 stout, rough -hairy, and madder -purple, particularly 

 below. Flower lilac-purple or paler, as large as a 



