Generic delimitation in Astereae has long been a source of disagreement among botanists. The ways in which they treat the large and diverse genus Aster usually reflect their philosophy on generic concepts, and although there are many variations, in general there have historically been two schools of thought. The first approach maintains a very inclusive generic concept of a large genus Aster, with subdivision of the genus into several subgenera. The second approach was to segregate many distinctive small genera from Aster, thus adopting a narrow generic concept As a result of new in-depth studies of phenotype features and, more recently, DNA sequences, combined with reasonably strict adherence to the tenets of phylogenetic systematics, the genus Aster is now much more narrowly and more naturally defined than before. Consequently many of the species formerly accepted in a looser definition of that genus have now been transferred to several more narrowly defined genera.

Common Name:

General Information

Aster flaccidus is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing a cluster of erect, unbranched stems 3 - 30cm tall from a long, slender rhizome[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for use as a medicine

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Asia - Turkestan, Afghanistan, Himalayas of Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, north through China to Mongolia and eastern Siberia

Habitat

Damp alpine grasslands, alpine and subalpine pastures, meadows, thickets, screes, fallow fields, forests; at elevations from 1,800 - 5,100 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.20 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally succeed in most good garden soils[], preferring one that is well-drained and moisture retentive[]. Prefers a sunny position[].
Most species in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant is used to treat pulmonary abscesses, tuberculosis, and pertussis[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in spring in a cold frame. Do not allow the compost to become dry. Pre-chilling the seed for two weeks can improve germination rates[]. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks at 20°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Division in spring or autumn[].