Aster Acuminatus Apr 2026

: The name " Whorled Wood Aster " comes from the way its large, sharp-toothed leaves are crowded at the top of the stem, creating the illusion of a whorl. The species name, acuminatus , refers to the long, tapering (acuminate) tips of these leaves.

: It typically grows between 8 to 32 inches tall. Its stems often have a distinctive slight "zigzag" shape and are covered in fine, sticky hairs.

The plant historically known as Aster acuminatus is most commonly referred to today as the or Mountain Aster (scientific name: Oclemena acuminata ). It is a native North American wildflower known for its unique "whorled" leaf arrangement and its ability to thrive in shaded woodland environments. Key Characteristics

: It produces white, star-like flowers from July through October . Each flower head has 10–20 narrow white rays surrounding a central disk that starts yellow and turns reddish with age.

: This perennial is found in cool, moist, or dry upland woods, often in spruce-fir or northern hardwood forests. Its range spans from Eastern Canada down through the Appalachian Mountains to northern Georgia and Tennessee. Ecological & Garden Value Oclemena acuminata (Whorled Aster) - FSUS