Symphiotrichum , or American aster ( Latin: Symphyotrichum ) is a genus of flowering plants from the Asteraceae family , whose species were previously placed in the genus Astra ( Aster ). The systematic position of a large number of species has changed relatively recently, thanks to recent studies of plant genetics.
| Symphiotrichum |
Symphyotrichum ericoides |
| Scientific classification |
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| International scientific name |
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Symphyotrichum Nees , 1832 |
| Type view |
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Symphyotrichum unctuosum Nees [2] |
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The scientific Latin name of the genus is derived from the two Greek words symphysis and trichinos meaning "merge" (be together) and "hair" (hair). [3]
Most representatives of this genus are endemic to North America, several species come from Central and South America, and some are found in eastern Asia.
The genus includes more than 100 species [4] , some of which are of hybrid origin. Many species are introduced into the culture as garden ornamental flowering plants, spread to Europe. On their basis, many varieties and hybrids suitable for cutting were bred.
Some species are widely known among flower growers due to high-quality varieties derived on their basis:
- Symphyotrichum cordifolium ( L. ) GLNesom
- Symphyotrichum dumosum (L.) GLNesom - Shrub aster
- Symphyotrichum ericoides (L.) GLNesom - Heather Astra
- Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (L.) GLNesom - American Astra , or New English
- Symphyotrichum novi-belgii (L.) GLNesom - New Belgian or Virgin Astra
