Adirondack Wildflowers:  Whorled Wood Aster (Oclemena acuminata) at the Paul Smiths VIC (30 July 2012)

Adirondack Wildflowers:
Whorled Wood Aster (Oclemena acuminata)

This page is no longer being updated.  For an updated and expanded version of this material, see: Whorled Wood Aster (Oclemena acuminata)

Adirondack Wildflowers:  Whorled Wood Aster blooming on the Woods and Waters Trail at the Paul Smiths VIC (16 August 2012) Adirondack Wildflowers: Whorled Wood Aster blooming on the Woods and Waters Trail (16 August 2012)

The Whorled Wood Aster is a native Adirondack wildflower that produces white flowers in late summer. The leaves are large and are often scattered up the stem in such a way as to appear whorled. The leaf edges are coarsely toothed and the flower heads are up to 1.5 inches wide. This plant is also known as Sharp-leaved Aster, Mountain Aster, or White Wood Aster, or Whorled Aster. Whorled Wood Aster grows in mountainous areas, in mixed coniferous-deciduous forests and hummocks in swamps, in eastern Canada and the northeastern portions of the US.

Adirondack Wildflowers:  Whorled Wood Aster in bud on the Boreal Life Trail at the Paul Smiths VIC (28 July 2012)Adirondack Wildflowers: Whorled Wood Aster in bud on the Boreal Life Trail (28 July 2012)

The Whorled Wood Aster is found on several of the trails at the Paul Smiths VIC, including the Boreal Life Trail and the Woods and Waters Trail. It usually begins blooming at the Paul Smiths VIC in late July or early August.

References



Explore the VIC

The Paul Smiths VIC offers a wide variety of programs throughout the year to educate and inform Adirondack Park residents and visitors about the natural wonders of the Adirondack Mountains. You can help support these programs by joining the Friends of the VIC. More information on Friends of the VIC memberships

Explore the Trails

The VIC trails are free and open to the public, from dawn to dusk, spring through fall. In winter, the trails are open to cross-country skiers and snowshoers for a fee. Day or season passes may be purchased.