Varying in color from violet and lavender to almost white, flower heads
of the Mohave aster are numerous, sometimes as many as 20 simultaneously
in bloom on one plant. This ornamental perennial prefers dry, rocky
slopes below 6,000 feet in southern Utah, Nevada, western Arizona, and
southeastern California. Characterized by silvery foliage and large
flower heads, the Mohave aster is well worthy of cultivation and does
well in hot, dry locations. Flowers appear from March to May, but with
the coming of summer heat the stems and leaves become twisted, brown,
and unattractive.
_Aster abatus_ Sunflower Family
[Illustration: MOHAVE ASTER]