Aster kantoensis
Kitam.
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(c) Hiromi kobori, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Hiromi kobori
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(c) m_sato, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
An annual or biennial aster reaching 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) tall. Hermaphrodite flowers are pollinated by insects. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils that are well-drained and moist. Tolerates mildly acidic, neutral, and mildly alkaline pH. Requires full sun and cannot tolerate shade.
Description
An annual or biennial aster reaching 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) tall. Hermaphrodite flowers are pollinated by insects. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils that are well-drained and moist. Tolerates mildly acidic, neutral, and mildly alkaline pH. Requires full sun and cannot tolerate shade.
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Edible Uses: Young leaves - cooked. Flowers.
Traditional Uses
The young leaves are cooked and eaten. The flowers are eaten.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Asia, Japan,
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. We are not convinced of the validity of this name, it is possible that it is no more than a synonym for Heteropappus hispidus. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most good garden soils, preferring one that is well-drained and moisture retentive. Prefers a sunny position. Most species in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.
Propagation
Seed - surface sow in spring in a cold frame. Do not allow the compost to become dry. Pre-chilling the seed for two weeks can improve germination rates. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks at 20°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn.
Other Uses
None known Special Uses
Notes
There are about 250 Aster species.
Synonyms
References (3)
- J. Jap. Bot. 12:724. 1936
- Lim, T. K., Edible Medicinal and Non-Medicinal Plants Volume 7 Flowers
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.pfaf.org
