Their rough pods release seeds with silky white hairs. Some species have fragrant, colored flowers, others have greenish flowers with no smell. Some species prefer moist to wet soil, others need well drained soil. Pay attention to what species grow in your type of environment. There are many species of asters, and sometimes get confused with fleabane.
Leaves vary from long and narrow to wide with rounded leaflets.
Full sun to light shade. Humus-rich, evenly moist soil. Leaves are susceptible to powdery mildew. Divide mature clumps every 3 or 4 years. These asters are excellent meadow and prairie plants.