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 koraiensis is a herbaceous perennial plant growing 50 - 60cm tall from an underground rhizome[]
The plant is a valued traditional medicinal herb in Korea, where it is still commonly used to treat a range of complaints; it is also sometimes harvested for local use as a food. The plant is widely grown, especially in Korea, as an ornamental and for soil stabilization.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - Korea

Habitat

Found in a variety of habitats, often in ground disturbed by human activity.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

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

Edible Uses

Young leaves - cooked[]. No more details are given, but the report is likely to be referring to the young leaves in spring before the production of flowering stems[].

Medicinal

The plant is used in traditional Korean medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including pertussis, chronic bronchitis and pneumonia[].
The roots are used to treat bacterial infection, asthma, phlegm, tussis, ascites, lung cancer, and haematemesis by lung cancer

In trials, an oral administration of the ethanolic extract of aerial parts of the plant showed a significant reduction in proteinuria and albuminuria in rats and also prevented advanced glycation end products (AGEs) deposition and podocyte apoptosis. The results suggested that Aster koraiensis extract has an inhibitory effect of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulation and anti-apoptotic effect in the glomeruli of diabetic rats and could be beneficial in preventing the progression of diabetic nephropathy[]

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant has a wide-ranging root system and is planted along roadsides in Korea to stabilize the soil.

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[].