Aster amellus 

'European Michaelmas-daisy'

[Ex. České středohoří 330 m., Czech Republic]

Asteraceae: an herbaceous perennial to 70cm by 50cm. found in scrub and wood margins, and marshy places and lake sides, mainly on limestone soils. The flowers are lilac, with a yellow centre, blooming from July-October. The seeds are an achene that ripens in October. The leaves are dark green, with the basal leaves being obovate and petiolated, higher leaves narrower and lanceolate. Native to European mountains from the Pyrenees and the Alps to the Carpathians. Outside Europe it can be found in western Asia (Turkey), the Caucasus, Siberia and Central Asia (Kazakhstan).

USES:

The leaves and young plants are said to be edible if cooked.

The roots have anti-inflammatory, antitussive, depurative, haemostatic and pectoral properties. They are used in the treatment of coughs, pulmonary affections and malaria. The root juice is used internally in Nepal to treat indigestion and externally to treat boils.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Surface sow seeds 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. Succeeds in most good garden soils, preferring one that is well-drained and moisture retentive. Prefers a sunny position. This species hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.

HARVESTED: 2021

 
APPROX. 50 SEEDS