AS'TER SIBI'RICUS.

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SIBERIAN ASTER.

Class. Order.

S YNGENESIA. SCPERFLUA.

Natural Order.

COMPOSITE.

Native of

Height.

Flowers in

Duration.

Introduced

Siberia.

2 feet.

July, Aug.

Perennial.

in 1768.

No. 411.

The Greek word, aster, signifying a star, hasbeen adopted to distinguish this extensive genus ofplants, in allusion to their star-like blossoms. Si-biricus is applied to indicate the native country ofthe plant now represented.

The species of Aster , now in cultivation, are verynumerous—upwards of one hundred and fifty, abouttwo-thirds of which have been brought to thiscountry from North America . They are dividedinto several sections, principally by the forms oftheir leaves, which somewhat facilitates the botan-ist’s labour, but still considerable difficulty willarise in determining the species of so extensive agenus. Most of them are late-flowering plants,hence the name of Michaelmas Daisy , by whichthey are so frequently distinguished; and certainly,till the introduction of the Dahlia amongst us,many respectable gardens,owed the chief of theirautumnal gaiety to the Aster .

The Aster Sibiricus is a valuable species, of lowgrowth, and larger flowers than most others. Itmay be transplanted at any season; requiring, ofcourse, additional care if removed in summer.

Hort. Kew. 2, v. 5, 59.