|
The New England aster (Aster novae-angliaei) belongs to Asteraceae (the Aster family). It is a perennial herb that is native to eastern and central North America. It grows along forest edges, in moist grasslands, and on riverbanks, reaching a height of 90 to 180 cm. It was introduced to Japan during the Taisho era (1912-1926) as an ornamental plant, but has since naturalized in various regions, particularly in Hokkaido. The leaves are lanceolate, with two prominent lobes at the base, and are covered with soft hairs. From August through October, it produces corymbs at the tips of its stems, bearing vivid purple or pink flower heads. The flower heads are 20-35 mm in diameter and consist of more than 40 ray florets arranged around a central cluster of yellow tubular florets. Its Japanese name derives from the sticky substance secreted by the fine hairs on its leaves and stems.
In Korean, it's called "New England aster" (nyu-ing-gul-raen-deu-a-seu-teo: 뉴잉글랜드아스터). This is a phonetic transcription of the English name.
|