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: Tartarian Aster

General Information

Aster tataricus is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing a cluster of erect, unbranched stems 11 - 150cm tall from a woody rhizome. Stemless rosettes of leaves are often also present[].
The plant is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, being much harvested from the wild, whilst the leaves are often sold in local food markets in Korea[]. The plant is also cultivated, especially in Korea for medicinal use[] and is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - Siberia, Mongolia, China, Japan, Korea

Habitat

Subalpine meadows and wet places, C. and S. Japan[, ]. Marshy areas in mountains[]. Shaded damp places, meadows, steppes, damp riverbanks; at elevations from 400 - 3,300 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.20 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies, Beetles, Lepidoptera, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[].
Succeeds in most good garden soils[], preferring one that is well-drained and moisture retentive[]. Prefers a sunny position[], but also succeeds in partial shade[].
Plants can suffer from mildew when growing in dry conditions[].
This species is cultivated in China as a medicinal herb[].
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 plant[, , ]. 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

This species has been used for at least 2,000 years in traditional Chinese medicine. The root contains triterpenes and triterpene saponins, and is a stimulant expectorant herb for the bronchial system, helping to clear infections[, ]. It is antibacterial, antifungal, antitussive, expectorant and stimulant[, , , ]. It has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, Pseudomonas and Vibrio Proteus[]. The root is taken internally in the treatment of chronic bronchitis and tuberculosis and is often used raw with honey in order to increase the expectorant effect[, ].
The root is harvested in the autumn and can be dried for later use[].

The plant contains the triterpene epifriedelinol, which has shown anticancer activity, and is used as a folk cure for cancer[, ].

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.
Basal cuttings in the spring. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.
Division in spring or autumn[]. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted straight into their permanent positions whist smaller clumps are best potted up and kept in a cold frame until they are growing away well.