Aster turbinellus, commonly known as the whorled aster, is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is native to North America, particularly found in regions of the eastern United States and parts of Canada. This perennial herbaceous plant is characterized by its distinctive whorled arrangement of leaves along the stems, hence its common name.
The whorled aster typically grows between one and three feet in height, with slender stems that bear numerous branches. The leaves are narrow, lanceolate, and arranged in overlapping whorls of four to eight, giving the plant a distinctive spiral appearance. The stem and leaves may be covered in fine, short hairs.
The flowering period of this plant usually occurs in late summer to early fall, producing clusters of small, daisy-like flowers at the ends of the stems. These flowers have white to pale violet ray florets surrounding yellow disc florets. The whorled aster exhibits an attractive floral display, attracting various pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
As a native species, the whorled aster plays a significant role in supporting biodiversity and ecological balance. It provides a valuable source of nectar and pollen for pollinators and serves as a host plant for the larvae of certain butterflies. The plant is often found in moist habitats such as wooded areas, meadows, and stream banks.
Conservation efforts are often aimed at protecting the habitat of Aster turbinellus, as it faces threats from habitat loss and degradation due to agriculture, urbanization, and invasive plant species.
