Fall Common Prairie Plants

(Symphyotrichum oolentangiense) Bloom Time: Late Summer – Fall (August – October) Location: prefers sun and dry, sandy areas. Often found growing on upland prairies, land dominated by sand or gravel, savannas and woodland edges. Its presence is an indication of a high quality area (general). Found on Hillside Prairie (Arb). Family: Aster (Asteraceae) Physical Description: clusters of flowers at the top of several stiff stems. Composed of 10-25 pale blue to blue-violet petals, and collection of yellow disk flowers in the center (brown with age). Leaves are heart-shaped, toothless, and feel like fine sandpaper. Quick Facts: To differentiate between this species and other asters, look to the leaves. Only the lowest leaves on S. oolentangiense are heart-shaped, but all are relatively toothless. The other similar looking species in Minnesota are all toothed and proportionately wider. Pollinated by a wide array of bees, butterflies, skippers, and beetles.