Blue wood aster, Heart leaf aster
Symphyotrichum cordifolium

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A small plant that forms clumps. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 0.6-1.5 m high and spreads 45 cm wide. The leaves are heart shaped or round and have long stalks. The leaves are 12 cm long. The flower-heads are 2 cm across and blue in loose panicles 25 cm across. There are yellow disk florets.

There are about 250 Aster species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It suits moist, moderately fertile soil and in part shade. It grows up to 1,200 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Indonesia, North America (country/location of origin), SE Asia, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Leaves, flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Aster biru daun hati

Synonyms

Aster cordifolius L.; Aster heterophyllus Willd.; Aster leiophyllus Porter; Aster lowrieanus Porter; Aster pallidulus B. Vogel; Aster pubescens Nees; Aster sagittifolius; and others