COMPOSITAE (COMPOSITE FAMILY) 433 
stems that have given it the name of Steelweed dull or break the 
mowing knives and “cut the grade’ of hay that is intended for 
market. e 
Stem one to three feet high, smooth or nearly so, diffusely 
branched, spreading and bushy. Leaves rather thick and rigid, 
the lower ones spatulate, one to three inches long, tapering to a 
slightly margined petiole, sometimes sparingly toothed; the upper 
ones narrow lance-shaped, sessile, entire, becoming linear and awl- 
like as they near the summit. Heads very . 
numerous, racemose along the upper side of 
the spreading branches; they are hardly a 
half-inch broad, with fifteen to twenty-five 
white or pinkish rays; bracts of the in- 
volucre rather thick and awl-like, green- 
tipped. The blossoms secrete nectar of a # 
fine, limpid quality, and the plant is a * 
favorite with bee-keepers. Achenes small, 
gray, finely hairy, the pappus white; they 
are widely wind-distributed. (Fig. 301.) 
Westward to Minnesota and Missouri, 
this plant gives place to a near relative, the 
Harry Heata Aster (Aster ericoides var. 
pilésus, Porter), very like it in appearance 
and habits except that the hard stems and 
the small, pointed leaves are clothed all 
. : Fic. 301. — Heath Aster 
over with fine, soft hair. (Asi ercouied). x4, 
Means of control 
Cultivation of the ground, fertilizing heavily and tilling very 
thoroughly before reseeding with clover and grasses. Sheep will 
eat the weed while it is young and will do good service in keeping 
it down in pastures. 
MANY-FLOWERED ASTER 
Aster multiflorus, Ait. 
Other English names: White Wreath Aster, Fall Flower. 
Native. Perennial. Propagates by seeds. 
2P 
