220 FAMILIAR FLOWERS OF FIELD AND GARDEN. 



Aster, or starwort. There are between forty and fifty 

 Aster. species of wild asters in our coun- 



try, so I can only draw attention to the commoner 

 ones. Most of these have a distinct individuality, 

 which it will be impossible 

 for one to mistake who will 

 closely follow the descrip- 

 tions : 



A. eriooides bears such 

 tiny white flowers that there 

 is no possibility of confusing 

 it with any other common 

 aster ; it is enough to know 

 that the little white rays are 

 very fine and regular, and the 

 yellow centers are compact 

 like those of the daisy — in 

 fact, the flower looks -like a 

 miniature daisy, and would 

 never be taken for an aster by 

 one whose acquaintance with 

 wild flowers is slight. This 

 variety grows about two feet 

 high, has slender, wiry stems, 

 and small, narrow, plain-looking leaves. It is found 

 in partially shady, or open and dry places, and 

 blooms from midsummer until late in October. I 



A. ericoides. 



