Ialian Aster
Aster amellus

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Aster amellus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from September to October, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.7

Where it is found

Scrub and wood margins. Marshy places and lake sides, mainly on limestone soils.

Europe to E. Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaves and young plants - cooked. Only certain varieties (not specified in the report) are used. A nutritional analysis is available.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The roots are anti-inflammatory, antitussive, depurative, haemostatic and pectoral.They are used in the treatment of coughs, pulmonary affections and malaria. The root juice is used internally in Nepal to treat indigestion and externally to treat boils.

Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.

Antitussive: Prevents or relieves coughing.

Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.

Haemostatic: Controls internal bleeding.

Malaria: Treats malaria - an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites spread to people through the bites of mosquitos.

Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in most good garden soils, preferring one that is well-drained and moisture retentive. Tolerates poorer soils. Prefers a sunny position but also succeeds in part shade. Plants are hardy to about -25°c. A very ornamental plant, there are some named varieties. A polymorphic species, it hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Most species in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.

Propagating it: Seed - surface sow in spring in a cold frame. Do not allow the compost to become dry. Pre-chilling the seed for two weeks can improve germination rates. The seed usually germinates in 2 weeks at 20°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. amelloides. Besser. A. trinervius. Roxb.