Edible Aster (Aster scaber)

Aster scaber, or Scabrous Aster, is a perennial herb with rough leaves and purple to lavender, star-like flowers. It blooms from late summer to autumn, thriving in full s

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.

Soil

Well-drained, fertile loam.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA Zones 3-8, tolerating cold winters and warm summers.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Moderate feeding in early spring or during active growth.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering.

Water

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.

Soil

Well-drained, fertile loam.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA Zones 3-8, tolerating cold winters and warm summers.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Moderate feeding in early spring or during active growth.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Category

Flowering, Ornamental, Vegetable

Plant Place Type

Ground, Garden

Plant Environment

Outdoor

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

0.6-1.5 m

Spread

0.3-0.6 m

Growth Rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Winter

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Ovate to lanceolate

Flower Size

2-3 cm

Optimal Sunlight Lux

50000

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · SepPeak fruit · Oct

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · AprPeak fruit · May

FloweringFruiting

Synonyms

Aster corymbosus Aiton

Aster komarovii H.Lév. & Vaniot

Biotia discolor Maxim.

Cardiagyris scabra (Thunb.) G.L.Nesom

Diplopappus scaber Less. ex Nees

Doellingeria scabra (Thunb.) Nees

Taxonomy

kingdomPlantae
divisionTracheophyta
classMagnoliopsida
orderAsterales
familyAsteraceae
genusAster
speciesAster scaber

Toxicity

Toxic for humans

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

Rating: 0/5

Edible

Yes

No known toxicity to humans or pets. Young leaves are consumed as a vegetable in some cultures.

Additional Care Tips

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods and the plant's active growth phase. Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Reduce watering significantly during the dormant winter months when the plant dies back to the ground.

Scabrous Aster is easily propagated by dividing mature clumps in early spring or autumn. Carefully dig up the plant, separate sections with roots and shoots, and replant them. It can also be grown from seeds, which benefit from a period of cold stratification.

As a garden perennial, *Aster scaber* is not typically repotted. If grown in a large container, it may benefit from division and refreshing the potting mix every 2-3 years to prevent overcrowding and nutrient depletion, ensuring continued healthy growth.

FAQs

What are the ideal growing conditions for Scabrous Aster?

Scabrous Aster thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It requires consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and is hardy in USDA Zones 3-8, tolerating a wide range of temperatures.

When does Aster scaber typically bloom?

Aster scaber is a late-season bloomer, typically producing its vibrant purple to lavender, star-like flowers from late summer through autumn, usually from August to October, providing color when many other plants are fading.

Is Aster scaber considered edible?

Yes, the young leaves of Aster scaber are edible and are a popular wild vegetable in Korea, known as 'Chwi-namul'. They are often blanched and seasoned for culinary use. The plant is not known to be toxic to humans or pets.

How do I propagate Scabrous Aster?

Scabrous Aster can be easily propagated by dividing mature clumps in early spring or autumn. Seeds can also be used, but they generally require a period of cold stratification to improve germination rates.

What kind of soil does Scabrous Aster prefer?

Scabrous Aster prefers well-drained, fertile soil, ideally a loam. It can tolerate a range of soil types but performs best when the soil is rich in organic matter and does not become waterlogged.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering.

Water

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.

Soil

Well-drained, fertile loam.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA Zones 3-8, tolerating cold winters and warm summers.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Moderate feeding in early spring or during active growth.

Additional Care Tips

FAQs