Plant Description
Aster macrophyllus L. var. sejunctus Burgess is a perennial wildflower plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. The plant has a clump-forming growth habit and can spread through underground rhizomes. The stems are green and erect, and the leaves are alternate, slightly hairy, and toothed around the edges, with a maximum length of 8 inches and a width of 4 inches. The flowers of the plant are small, pale blue and purple, and grow in clusters that are about 1 inch wide. The fruit is a tiny achene, which is dispersed by wind.
Plant Origin and Common Names
Aster macrophyllus L. var. sejunctus Burgess is commonly known as the Eastern large-leaved aster or the Bigleaf aster. It is native to North America and can be found growing in damp meadows, open woods, and moist thickets in the eastern United States. The plant has also been introduced and naturalized in other parts of the world, including Europe and Asia.
Plant Uses
The plant has several medicinal uses. The roots of the plant contain compounds that have been traditionally used to treat a range of health conditions, including digestive disorders, headaches, and fever. The leaves and stems also have anti-inflammatory properties and have been used in traditional medicine to reduce swelling and pain. In addition, the plant provides nectar to bees and other pollinators and serves as a host plant for caterpillars of several butterfly species, including the Pearl crescent and the Silvery checkerspot.
The plant is primarily used for ornamental purposes in gardens and landscaping because of its attractive appearance. Its tall stature, deep green foliage, and bright purple-blue flowers make it a popular choice for adding color and texture to flower beds, borders, and wildflower gardens.
Light Requirements
Aster macrophyllus L. var. sejunctus Burgess prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate shade but full sunlight yields more blooms per plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in a moderate temperature range of 15-25°C. It can still grow in temperatures as low as 10°C and high as 32°C but its growth may be affected.
Soil Requirements
The soil should be well-draining, fertile, and rich in organic matter. It should have a pH range of 6.0-7.5. Clay soils should be amended to improve drainage since waterlogging can cause root rot. Sandy-loam soils with high moisture retention can also be used.
Cultivation Methods
Aster macrophyllus L. var. sejunctus Burgess is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in well-drained soil. It is suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. Sow the seeds in early spring, and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate. For faster germination, stratify the seeds for two weeks in the refrigerator before planting in the soil.
When the plant outgrows its container, transplant it to a larger container or a garden bed with a spacing of 12-18 inches. The plant height ranges from one to four feet and has a spread of about two feet. As the plant grows, stake it with a bamboo stick to prevent wind damage or breakage.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. Water the plant to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot, and under-watering can lead to stunted growth. Check the soil moisture regularly and avoid letting the soil dry out completely between watering sessions.
The plant does not tolerate standing water, so ensure proper drainage. If growing in a container, ensure the container has a drainage hole to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Aster macrophyllus L. var. sejunctus Burgess requires regular fertilization for optimal growth and blooming. Use a balanced fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer in the early spring as the plant starts to grow and again in mid-summer after flowering. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilization, which may cause damage to the plant.
The plant also benefits from organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, added to the planting area. This helps improve soil quality and enhances the plant's growth.
Pruning
Aster macrophyllus L. var. sejunctus Burgess requires minimal pruning. Deadheading, the removal of spent blooms, promotes further blooming. Cut the spent blooms off at the base of the stem, just above the uppermost set of leaves. Regular deadheading also helps prevent self-seeding, which may cause the plant to become invasive.
If the plant becomes leggy or floppy, pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage the emergence of side shoots, giving the plant a more compact and bushy appearance. Prune the plant to the ground in the fall after the first frost, and add a layer of organic mulch to protect the plant during winter.
Propagation of Aster macrophyllus L. var. sejunctus Burgess
Aster macrophyllus L. var. sejunctus Burgess, commonly known as the bigleaf aster or large-leaved aster, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to North America. Propagation of this plant is typically done through seed propagation or vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most commonly used method of propagation for Aster macrophyllus L. var. sejunctus Burgess. The seeds are typically sown directly into the ground in the fall. The best time to sow the seeds is when the temperature is cool and the ground is moist. The seeds can also be sown in early spring, but they will require stratification (cold treatment) to germinate. The seeds will germinate in about three weeks to a month and will produce seedlings that can be transplanted in their permanent location.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is a method of propagation that uses plant parts such as cuttings, runners, or divisions to create new plants. Aster macrophyllus L. var. sejunctus Burgess can be propagated through division of the root system or stem cuttings.
Dividing the root system of the Aster macrophyllus L. var. sejunctus Burgess can be done in the spring or fall when the plant is not in bloom. The plant is dug up and the roots are separated into smaller sections. The sections should have several healthy shoots attached to them. The divided roots can then be replanted in their permanent location.
Stem cuttings can also be taken from the Aster macrophyllus L. var. sejunctus Burgess. This method involves taking stem cuttings in the spring or early summer from healthy, disease-free plants. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and should have several healthy leaves attached to them. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in moist potting soil. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment and should root in about four to six weeks.
Disease Management
Aster macrophyllus L. var. sejunctus Burgess is generally resistant to most plant diseases. However, they can get infested with fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. These diseases can be caused by poor air circulation, high humidity, or overwatering.
To manage powdery mildew, remove the affected leaves and dispose of them. You can also apply a fungicide containing neem oil to control the fungal growth. For rust and leaf spot, apply copper-fungicide to the plant according to label instructions.
Pest Management
Aster macrophyllus L. var. sejunctus Burgess is susceptible to pest attacks, including aphids, spider mites, and leafhoppers. These pests feed on the plant's sap, causing considerable damage to the leaves and stems.
To manage aphids, remove them from the plant manually or apply insecticidal soap to suffocate them. For spider mites, regularly water the plant and apply an insecticidal soap or oil spray to the leaves. Leafhoppers can be controlled using insecticides containing pyrethrin or neem oil. Additionally, regularly cleaning the plant and maintaining good hygiene in the garden can prevent pest infestation.
