Composite Jfamil^. 



Branching Aster. Aster cordifolius. 



Found in the latter part of September in shaded thickets and on 

 dry banks. 



The stalk is often about 4 feet high, very widely branching, leafy, 

 and bearing a profusion of flowers ; it has a coarse, very rough surface 

 usually. In color reddish. 



The leaf has a heart-shaped base, and pointed tip, a slightly notched 

 or entire margin, and a coarse texture, the surface generally being I'ough 

 above and also on the underside of the midrib ; the upper leaves clasp 

 the stalk, while the lower, and larger, leaves are set on short hairy stems. 

 In color, a rather dull green. They are numerous all the way from 

 foot to tip. 



The many flower-heads, are small, with 14 to 20 delicate, short, pale- 

 lavender rays ; the cups are smooth and shining, and are set on leafy 

 foot-stems, in large loose clusters. 



Coming just as its purple and white sisters are departing, and as 

 though desiring to atone for their cessation, this delightful late Aster 

 fills the country roads and lanes with the generous abundance of its 

 misty gray-lavender bloom. 



354 



