Origin
Aster campestris Nutt. var. bloomeri (Gray) Gray, commonly known as Blooming Prairie Aster, is a plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in several regions throughout the United States and Canada.
Common Names
Blooming Prairie Aster, Lange's Aster, Upland White Aster, and Western White Aster are some of the common names given to this plant species.
Uses
Blooming Prairie Aster has several traditional medicinal uses in Native American cultures. The plant's roots have been used for treating stomach aches, while the leaves were used for treating skin rashes and dizziness. Moreover, the plant is an important source of nectar and pollen for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
General Appearance
Blooming Prairie Aster is a perennial herbaceous plant that can reach a height of 30 to 70 cm. The plant has a woody base and green stems with hairy and glandular leaves. The leaves are narrowly oval and have toothed margins. The plant's flowers are white to pink in color and are arranged in loose clusters. The flowers bloom from July to September and are followed by the production of small seeds.
Light Requirements
Aster campestris Nutt. var. bloomeri (Gray) Gray thrives in full sun to partial shade, meaning it requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant can grow in light shade but will have fewer flowers and will be more susceptible to disease.
Temperature Requirements
Aster campestris Nutt. var. bloomeri (Gray) Gray grows best in cool temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. The plant is relatively cold-tolerant and can withstand temperatures as low as -25°F. However, it does not tolerate excessive heat and humidity, and hot temperatures can result in stunted growth, wilting, and even death.
Soil Requirements
Aster campestris Nutt. var. bloomeri (Gray) Gray prefers well-drained, loamy soil that is slightly acidic to neutral in pH. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, rocky, and clay soils, as long as they are well-drained. The addition of organic matter, such as compost or manure, can improve soil fertility and structure, which enhances the plant's growth and flowering.
Cultivation Methods
The Aster campestris Nutt. var. bloomeri (Gray) Gray, commonly known as bloomer's aster, is a herbaceous plant that thrives best in well-draining soil. It is ideal to plant the bloomer's aster in full sunlight, though it can still grow in partially shaded areas as long as it is not too obscured. This plant prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil pH, typically between 6.1 to 7.5.
For better results, it is recommended to start growing this plant in the spring season when the weather is warmer. You can start by planting the aster seeds at a depth of 1/8 inches in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist, and the seeds should start sprouting within two weeks. Once the plant has fully germinated, transplant it to your garden bed or container.
Watering Needs
Bloomer's aster does not do well in waterlogged soil, so it is essential to avoid excessive watering. It is best to water this plant moderately and ensure that the soil is appropriately drained. Typically, watering the plant once every week is sufficient, but this can be increased if the weather is particularly hot and dry. Soil moisture can be tested by sticking a finger into the soil. If it feels dry an inch below the surface, it is time to water this plant.
Fertilization
Using fertilizer is not necessary for this plant because it is well adapted to grow in a nutrient-poor environment. However, to promote robust growth and blooming, you may apply a balanced fertilizer formula at a moderate rate three times a year - in the spring, summer, and fall. Make sure not to overfeed the plant to avoid burning roots, which could potentially damage the plant.
Pruning
Bloomer's aster does not require intensive pruning and can grow well without much intervention. Occasional trimming is essential to remove unwanted or dead stems and encourage fuller growth. Ideally, cutting back about a third of the plant's height in the late spring or early summer will encourage the plant to produce more flowers. If a stem appears damaged or brown, cut it off at the base to prevent the problem from spreading.
Propagation of Aster campestris Nutt. var. bloomeri (Gray) Gray
Aster campestris Nutt. var. bloomeri (Gray) Gray, commonly known as the plains aster, is a herbaceous perennial species that can be propagated through various methods including seed, division, and stem cutting.
Propagation via Seed
One of the common methods of propagation for the plains aster is through seeds. The seeds of the plant can be directly sown into the ground in early spring or late fall. They should be sown at a depth of approximately 1/4 inch deep and watered thoroughly. The seeds take about two to three weeks to germinate, and the seedlings may need to be thinned once they develop their true leaves.
Alternatively, the seeds can be started indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date in the spring. The seeds should be sown in trays filled with potting soil and kept moist until the seedlings appear. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of four to six inches, they can be transplanted into larger containers or into the garden bed.
Propagation via Division
The plains aster can also be propagated through division. This method involves digging up an established plant and dividing it into smaller sections that can be replanted. Division is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant. The clump should be lifted carefully from the ground and then divided using a sharp knife or spade. Each division should have a few shoots and a healthy root system. The divided sections can be replanted directly into the soil or potted up until they are established.
Propagation via Stem Cuttings
The final method of propagation for the plains aster is through stem cuttings. This method involves taking a 4 to 6 inches long stem cutting from a healthy plant. The cutting should be taken in mid to late summer when the plant is actively growing. The lower leaves should be removed, and the stem cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone powder and then planted into a pot filled with moist potting soil. The pot should then be covered with a plastic bag to create a humid environment for the cutting. The cutting should be watered regularly and kept out of direct sunlight until new growth appears.
Disease Management
Aster campestris Nutt. var. bloomeri (Gray) Gray can suffer from various fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases. The most common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Septoria leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that appears as small black spots on the leaves. It can cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and place them in the trash. Avoid watering the leaves and instead water the plant at the base.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that forms a white to gray powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, prune the affected areas and discard them. You can also spray the plant with a fungicide.
- Virus diseases: This plant can be affected by several viruses that cause stunted growth, distorted leaves, and reduced flower production. Unfortunately, there is no cure for virus diseases, and the best management strategy is to remove and destroy the infected plants.
Pest Management
Aster campestris Nutt. var. bloomeri (Gray) Gray can also be attacked by various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. The most common pests that affect this plant are:
- Aphids: These insects suck sap from the leaves and stems, causing the leaves to curl and turn yellow. To manage aphids, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can eat the leaves and flowers of the plant and cause significant damage. To manage caterpillars, handpick them and place them in a container of soapy water. You can also use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural bacterium that kills caterpillars.
- Spider mites: These tiny insects suck sap from the leaves, causing the leaves to become speckled and yellow. To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. You can also increase the humidity around the plant to deter spider mites.
