November 2019 Featured Plant: Calico aster

Calico aster, AKA side-flowering aster, is a fall pollinator favorite. The centers of its small white flowers may be yellow or rose-purple when the flowers open, giving the plant a multicolored appearance. Among its distinguishing features: calico aster's tiny disk flowers are deeply lobed and flaring, and its leaves are noticeably hairy along the midrib below. Calico aster is common in all but southwest Minnesota. It prefers shaded, moist habitats.