About Symphyotrichum prenanthoides (Muhl. ex Willd.) G.L.Nesom
Symphyotrichum prenanthoides, previously classified as Aster prenanthoides, is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is commonly known by the name crookedstem aster, and is native to northcentral and northeastern North America. This is a rhizomatous perennial herb that forms plant colonies via its rhizomes. Its stems can grow longer than 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches); they range from ascending to erect, and may be crooked or almost straight. As stems age, they often thicken and turn purple. Leaves of this species vary in size and shape. Flower heads grow in branching clusters on purplish stems. The ray florets are usually lavender or blue, and sometimes white. A single plant can have up to 30 ray florets, each up to 15 millimeters (3/5 inch) long. At the center of each flower head are disk florets, which range in color from cream and yellow to purple or brown. This species grows in a wide variety of habitats, including wooded areas, marshy areas, and roadsides. The Iroquois people use this plant medicinally to treat fever in infants and other medical ailments.
