''Symphyotrichum prenanthoides'' (formerly ''Aster prenanthoides'') is a
species of
flowering plant in the
family Asteraceae known by the common name crookedstem aster. It is native to northcentral and northeastern North America.
This
rhizomatous perennial herb
In general use, herbs are a widely distributed and widespread group of plants, excluding vegetables and other plants consumed for macronutrients, with savory or aromatic properties that are used for flavoring and garnishing food, for medicinal ...
produces
colonies of plants with stems that may exceed in length. These stems grow upright to erect and may be crooked or nearly straight, often becoming thick and purple with age. The leaves vary in size and shape. The
flower heads
A pseudanthium (Greek for "false flower"; ) is an inflorescence that resembles a flower. The word is sometimes used for other structures that are neither a true flower nor a true inflorescence. Examples of pseudanthia include flower heads, compos ...
are borne in branching arrays on purplish stems. The
ray florets are lavender or blue in color, or sometimes white. There are up to 30 ray florets measuring up to in length. At the center are
disk florets in shades of cream and yellow to purple or brown.
This plant grows in many habitats, including woody and marshy areas as well as roadsides.
Conservation
It is a special concern species in
Connecticut, where it is believed to be
extirpated.
Uses
The
Iroquois use this plant medicinally to treat fevers in babies and for other ailments.
Citations
References
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prenanthoides
Flora of Ontario
Flora of the North-Central United States
Flora of the Northeastern United States
Flora of the Southeastern United States
Plants used in traditional Native American medicine
Plants described in 1803
Taxa named by Gotthilf Heinrich Ernst Muhlenberg
{{Astereae-stub