Aster is a type of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, comprising about 180 species. The name Aster derives from Ancient Greek word (astér) meaning star which refers to the shape of its flower head. Many hybrids and varieties of Aster are popular garden plants because they have attractive and colourful flowers. Larvae of a number of Lepidoptera (insects that include moths and butterflies) species used Aster as food plant.
There are only two native members of Aster genus in UK, Goldilocks and Sea Aster (Aster tripolium). The only species native to North America is Aster alpinus spp. vierhapperi.
Aster attracts late-season pollinators, beneficial insects like butterflies, beetles, moths and flies, and their seeds are a source of good food for birds like finches and siskins.
Aster can be planted in sun or partial shade in moisture-retensive soil. It can propagate through seeds or division in autumn or spring. Aphids, eelworms, slugs, grey mould, powdery mildew are the known pests and diseases for Aster.
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