SOME PRAIRIE FLOWERS 103, 
stem with but few leaves. In other species the stem is quite 
leafy and has many branches. 
52. The Asters. — Many species of asters are found on 
the prairies, the smooth aster (Aster laevis) and the white 
wreath aster (Aster multifloris) being the prettiest, and in 
most sections the commonest. 
The first of these has very 
smooth leaves and stem, and | 
large blue flowers. The leaves |} 
and stem of the second are gray- 
ish and hairy, and the flowers 
are white, very small, and very 
numerous. These two asters are 
fine enough for a place among 
the perennial flowers of the lawn 
or garden. 
53. Blazing Star. — Plants 
with very showy, composite 
flowers of bluish purple color. They are from one to two 
feet high, with unbranched stems and nar- 
row leaves that are often twisted. There 
are several species, some of them being found 
under cultivation. 
WILp ASTERS 
a, smooth; b, white wreath. 
PROJECTS 
1. Learn to know the flowers.—TIf you like flowers 
you will, of course, want to know as many kinds as 
possible, and by going about it systematically you 
can extend your acquaintance greatly. Familiarize 
yourself with the descriptions and pictures of this 
chapter, and as soon as the flowers begin to appear 
in the spring try to identify them by the help of this 
Buazinc Star _ book and of friends who know them. In a suitable 
