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Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees
| Family Name: | Asteraceae (Compositae) |
| Synonyms: | Aster chinensis, Callistephus hortensis |
| Common Name: | China Aster, Annual Aster, 翠菊, 五月菊 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Biennial, Annual |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 0.6 m to 0.9 m |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 0.3 m to 0.5 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | China |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | An erect herb grows 30-100 cm tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The leaves are ovate, measuring 2.5-6 cm long and 2-4 cm wide, with coarsely toothed margins. |
| Flowers | The inflorescence is a head (capitulum), with many ray flowers surrounding the central disc flowers. China aster is a very popular ornamental flower, so there are many cultivars available in a wide array of colors. |
| Cultivation | The plants do well in full sun or part shade, in moist and well-drained soils rich in organic matters. Mulching is also good for plants to grow. Keep good circulation of air around the plant. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | Popular flowers for borders and beds. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
| Landscape Uses | General, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Flowerbed / Border, Container Planting |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Pest(s) | Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Margin | Serrate / Toothed |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Blue, Pink, Purple, Red, White, Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Inflorescence Type | Compound Head / Capitulum |
| Flower Colour(s) Remarks | Numerous cultivars come in different colors. |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32299 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6707 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |