Symphyotrichum carolinianum - Carolina aster, Climbing aster

Relatively recently, the northern hemisphere genus Aster was separated into several separate genera. One result is that most of the true Aster species are found in Europe and Asia. Most of the North American species formerly known as Aster species were placed in the genus Symphyotrichum. Twenty-seven species of Symphyotrichum are native to Florida, alone. These are herbaceous annuals or perennials, often with showy flowers. The Carolina aster is a sprawling, somewhat viney plant with masses of large, lavender-blue flowers in fall. In nature, it can be found at the edges of fresh water.