Some asters have more sparse or dense hairy leaves and may be fleshy or firm with a linear lance shape.
Stems have many branches.
Flowers of asters are clustered at the ends of the branched stems and appear from July through October. Asters, especially white prairieaster, can become a competitive problem in turf areas where soil conditions are moist, especially in heavy clay soils. Many aster species are found in the West, but asters are found throughout the United States. Improve soil drainage and lighten heavy clay soils. Follow good turf management practices to create a dense competitive stand of turfgrass.