Composite ifamili?. 



Pine Aster. Aster linariifolius. 



Found chiefly on the edges of pine woods in September. 



The stalk reaches from 1 to 2 feet in height ; it is single, leafy, 

 slender, and rough to the touch. In color, pale green, tinged with red. 



The leaf is long, and narrow, with an entire margin ; the surface 

 covered with a minute down that is harsh to the touch ; the fibre is stiff. 

 The color is green. The leaves are set upon the stalk, irregularly, 

 alternating, and numerous. 



The disc flowers are yellow ; the ray flowers, 12 to 20 in number, 

 are long and slender, and pale bluish-lavender in color. The h-eads are 

 few, and grow, on slender stems, either singly, or in a terminal flat- 

 topped cluster. 



The stiff edges of the leaves and their rigid bearing are not unlike 

 the needles which carpet the favorite haunts this Aster loves. Though 

 not pleasant to pluck, on account of its harsh texture, this is a verj^ 

 attractive plant to look upon. 



348 



