Aster kantoensis
an annual or biennial member of the Aster genus in the family Compositae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Compositae
- Genus
- Aster
- Life cycle
- annual, biennial
- Height
- 0.5 m
- Fertility
- Insects
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Insects
Uses
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Young leaves - cooked[3]. Flowers[3].
- Plant part
- Flowers
- Plant part
- Leaves
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - Japan.
- Habitat
- Waste ground along rivers, C. Japan[7].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- 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]. Germination usually takes place within 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[4].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
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[K]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most good garden soils[1], preferring one that is well-drained and moisture retentive[4]. Prefers a sunny position[4]. Most species in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[5]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[4].
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
Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8
Flora of Japan www.foj.info
Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation) Smithsonian Institution 1965-00-00