Composite Jfamil^. 



starry White Aster. Aster multiflorus. 



Found in August and September, in dry open fields, and waste 

 places. 



The stalk (from 1 to 2 feet in height) is leafy and shrubby in 

 growth, and the branches are long and curving ; it is slender, and rough 

 to the touch. Green. 



The lowest leaves are broad lance-shaped, jpointed at each end, the 

 margin sometimes notched ; the upper leaves are long, and narrow, with 

 an entire margin, and diminishing in size till they become line-like near 

 the top of the stalk. The midrib shows plainly, the texture is firm. 

 The color is gray-green, rather dark. The leaves are set immediately 

 upon the stalk, closely and irregularly, and generally alternate. 



The disc flowers are few ; yellow, changing to brown. The ray 

 flowers are fine and small, 10 to 15 in number; white. The cups very 

 small ; silvery green. The heads are arranged in profusion along the 

 leafy branches. 



The featheiy prettiness of these curving spires of green and white 

 loses nothing of its attraction because of its plentiful growth in barren 

 places amidst the one-toned monotony of the Goldenrods. The quality 

 of its green deserves especial regard. 



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