Composite Jfamil?. 



Later Purple Aster. Aster patens. 



Found during September and October along the borders of dry 

 woods and thickets. 



The stalk (from 1 to 2 and -^ feet high) is branching, and leafy, 

 with a fine texture, and smooth surface ; slender and swaying in growth. 

 Its color is sometimes green, often a dull reddish-purple. 



The leaf is long, and narrow, tapering at the tip, and partly clasp- 

 ing the stalk at the base ; the margin is slightly rough to the touch, 

 the texture is firm and thick, and the surface is smooth to the touch. 

 Color, a cool dark grayish -green. The arrangement is alternate. 



The disc flowers are sometimes yellow, or often reddish-violet ; the 

 rays, from 20 to 30, are a deep rich violet. The heads are set in vase- 

 shaped green cups, whose parts are over-lapping ; they are numerous 

 in large terminal clusters. 



As the flowers mature, the rays curl inward around the disc, and 

 dry thus on the plant ; its leafage is very fine in quality, and in beautiful 

 harmony ^vith the rich brilliance of the blossoms. 



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