Composite Jfamil^. 



Variable-leaved Aster. 



^sier undulatus. 



Found in dry woods, and thickets, during September. 



The slender, branching stalk (2 to 3 feet high) is soft, with down, 

 to the touch. Light green in color. Leaning and swaying in gesture. 



The leaves are very variable in shape, the lowest being decidedly 

 heart-shaped,- and set on long margined stems (these margins somewhat 

 notched) that clasp the stalk with shallow wings ; above, the leaves are 

 somewhat heart-shaped, and ai'e set on short stems, that clasp the stalk 

 with broad wings ; while the upper leaves are set immediately upon the 

 stalk, and clasp it by their prolonged bases. All the leaves have taper- 

 ing tips, entire, or very slightly, notched margins, with a rough upper 

 surface, while underneath it they are soft-hairy to the touch ; they are 

 placed alternately. The color is cool green. 



The disc flowers are pale yellow at first, but become reddish-brown 

 in maturity. The ray flowers, 10 to 20 in number, are pale lavender or 

 lilac. The heads are arranged in loose clusters. 



The color of this leafage, and its shapes, ai'e very pleasing. Gray's 

 Manual states the color of its rays as " bright blue " ! 



35° 



