Composite Jfamil^. 



Early Purple Aster. Astei' puniceus. 



Found in August in damp or swampy places. 



Tlie stalk varies from 3 to 5 feet in height, and is widely branch- 

 ing ; the fibre is coarse, and it is roughened by hairs. The color is green, 

 very often becoming purple near the foot. 



The leaf is a long oval (near the foot sometimes fully 3 inches 

 long), with strong and hairy midrib, and a slightly notched margin ; the 

 edge and upper surface are disagreeably rough to the touch. In color 

 light green, the midrib sometimes purple. The arrangement is alternate. 



The disc flowers are yellow, turning to tawny ; the ray flowers (20 

 to 30 in number) are long, and of a delicate light purple. The cups are 

 composed of several rows of long, fine, spreading green parts. The 

 heads are arranged in small groups, set on short stems, which rise from 

 the angles of the leaves. 



Though somewhat awkward in manner of growth the blossoms of 

 this early Aster are very pretty and profuse. The rays, as they lie 

 folded in the bud, are silvery pale. 



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