Fall Common Prairie Plants

(Symphyotrichum ericoides) Bloom Time: Late Summer – Fall (August – October) Location: prairies, dunes, roadsides, woodland edge. Prefers dry sandy soil, sun (general). Throughout Bakke Prairie and Upper Arb (Arb). Can be found on campus. Family: Aster (Asteraceae) Physical Description: Like many asters, the Heath Aster can be identified by its many small, white ray-like petals (8-20). Its central cluster of yellow disc flowers reddens with age. Number of blossoms per plant varies (can produce over 100), but they are often clustered tightly around the stem. Leaves are long, toothless, stalkless, and hairless. Quick Facts: Native to much of North America. Populations expand quickly using rhizomes. While typically hearty, this species can fall prey to fungal infections if subjected to too much moisture or shade. Native Americans used the Heath Aster in sweat baths, burning it on hot coals to produce herbal steam. This particular species of aster responds very well to controlled burns.