Aster amellus
Ialian Aster
a perennial member of the Aster genus in the family Compositae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Compositae
- Genus
- Aster
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Height
- 0.7 m
- Spread
- 0.5 m
- Fertility
- Self fertile, Bees, Flies, Beetles, Lepidoptera, Self
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Bees, Flies, Beetles, Lepidoptera, Self
Uses
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Leaves and young plants - cooked[4]. Only certain varieties (not specified in the report) are used[4]. A nutritional analysis is available[8].
- Plant part
- Leaves
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The roots are anti-inflammatory, antitussive, depurative, haemostatic and pectoral[13][3].They are used in the treatment of coughs, pulmonary affections and malaria[10]. The root juice is used internally in Nepal to treat indigestion and externally to treat boils[11].
- Product or use
- Antiinflammatory
- Product or use
- Antitussive
- Product or use
- Depurative
- Product or use
- Haemostatic
- Product or use
- Pectoral
Environment
- Range
- Europe to E. Asia.
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 5+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
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[2]. The seed usually germinates in 2 weeks at 20°c[2]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn[7].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Succeeds in most good garden soils[1], preferring one that is well-drained and moisture retentive[7]. Tolerates poorer soils[9]. Prefers a sunny position[7] but also succeeds in part shade[9]. Plants are hardy to about -25°c[6]. A very ornamental plant[1], there are some named varieties[9]. A polymorphic species[12], it hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[7]. Most species in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[9].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan. 1988-00-00
? A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press ISBN 0-914294-92-X
Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169
Stuart. Rev. G. A. Chinese Materia Medica. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre
Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4
Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8
Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. 1986-00-00
Manandhar. N. P. Plants and People of Nepal Timber Press. Oregon. 2002-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-527-6
? Flora Europaea Cambridge University Press 1964-00-00
Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202