Aster macrophyllus 

'Bigleaf Aster'

[Syn. Eurybia macrophylla]

Asteraceae/Compositae: a perennial herb to 60cm. Found on dry to moist open woods, thickets and clearings, rivers and streams. The flowers are either white or violet flowers, and occur in open clusters. The heart-shaped leaves are very large for an aster, these can be some 10-20cm across. Native to Eastern North America. Occasionally found naturalized in Britain.

USES:

The young leaves can be cooked and used as a vegetable. The leaves are said to act as a medicine as well as a food. Only young leaves are eaten as old leaves quickly become tough. The roots can be cooked, and used in soups.

The roots have been used as a blood medicine. An infusion of the root has been used to bathe the head to treat headaches. A compound decoction of the roots has been used as a laxative in the treatment of venereal disease.

GROWING INFORMATION:

These seeds germinate rapidly depending on species and origin. If germination does not occur after 3–4 weeks a cooling period of 2–4 weeks is recommended. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Succeeds in well-drained and moisture retentive soil. Preferring a sunny position. Succeeds in dry soils in the shade. Grows well in light woodland shade. Slugs are fond of this plant and have destroyed even quite large clumps by eating out all the new growth in spring.

HARVESTED: 2023*

 
APPROX. 50 SEEDS