[Illustration: Aster tephrodes
Aster abatus]
Common names: ASTER, DESERT ASTER, MOHAVE-ASTER, TANSY ASTER
Arizona desert: (_Aster tephrodes_). Amethyst blue. April-October.
California desert: (_Aster abatus_). Violet to lavender. March-May.
Texas desert: (_Aster tanacetifolius_). Bright violet. June-October.
Sunflower family. Size: Few inches to 2½ feet tall.
Since the Aster is one of the most widespread and best-known of the
flowers, it is usually easily recognized. There are many species,
principally perennials, ranging from low-growing, single-stemmed plants,
sprawling, many-stemmed plants with large flowers, to tall bushes.
Desert species are found on dry, rocky hillsides and along roadsides and
on waste ground.
[Illustration: Aster tanacetifolius leaf shapes]
The Aster is by no means restricted to the desert. Over much of the
United States they are considered as fall bloomers, but many species
blossom in the spring while others are at their floral best in
midsummer.