Alpine aster Aster alpinus

Names

• Family

  Asteraceae.

• Synonyms

  Alpine Aster, Mountain Aster, Alpine Daisy.

• Common names

  Aster bellidiastrum, Aster alpinus var. vierhapperi, Diplopappus alpinus

Toxicity

• To humans

  Alpine aster is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from consuming or handling this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause reactions in some people when handling or ingesting Alpine aster.

• To pets

  Alpine aster is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. It is not known to cause serious poisoning if ingested by animals such as cats and dogs. Nevertheless, ingestion of any plant material can sometimes result in mild gastrointestinal upset in pets, so it's always best to prevent your pets from eating plants that are not meant for consumption.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Purple

• Height

  1 feet (0.3 meters)

• Spread

  1 feet (0.3 meters)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  4

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Aesthetic Appeal: Alpine aster adds vibrant color and beauty to gardens with its striking blue, purple, or pink flowers.
• Attracts Pollinators: It is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, aiding in the pollination of nearby plants.
• Low Maintenance: Alpine aster is a hardy plant that requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners of all levels.
• Drought Tolerance: It has good drought resistance, which makes it suitable for xeriscaping and gardens in drier climates.
• Cold Hardy: This plant can survive in cold temperatures, making it suitable for alpine and rock gardens in cooler regions.
• Versatility: Alpine aster is suitable for borders, containers, and as ground cover, providing flexibility in garden design.
• Long Blooming: The plant has a long flowering season, offering bursts of color from late spring to early summer.
• Non-Invasive: Alpine aster is non-invasive, ensuring it won't overtake other plants in the garden.
• Easy Propagation: It can be easily propagated by seed or division, allowing gardeners to expand their collection without additional cost.
• Compact Growth: With its compact growth habit, alpine aster is ideal for small gardens and spaces where controlling plant size is important.

Medical Properties

• Anti-inflammatory: Aster alpinus has been traditionally used for its possible anti-inflammatory effects.
• Antiseptic: The plant may have antiseptic qualities, helpful in preventing the growth of microorganisms.
• Diuretic: It is sometimes used for its potential diuretic properties, which can help in increasing the passing of urine.
• Astringent: Has been used for its astringent properties which may help in constricting tissues or canals of the body.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Aster alpinus, commonly known as Alpine aster, can be used as a natural dye; the flowers may produce colors ranging from soft yellows to purples when utilized in fabric dyeing processes.
• The petals of the Alpine aster can sometimes be used to make organic confetti or decorations for eco-friendly events, as they are biodegradable and non-toxic to the environment.
• Some people might use the bold, colorful flowers of the Alpine aster for crafting natural jewelry, such as pendants or earrings, by pressing and preserving them in clear resin.
• Alpine aster flowers can be integrated into edible flower mixes for culinary decoration, imparting a mild, non-toxic floral accent to dishes and desserts.
• The plant has been used in the art of pressed flower arrangements, where the Alpine aster's vibrant colors can maintain their hue for extended periods.
• As a natural insect attractant, Alpine aster can be planted strategically in gardens to help pollinate other plants and contribute to local biodiversity.
• The Alpine aster may be implemented in companion planting to enhance the growth of certain vegetables or deter pests due to its specific attracting or repelling properties.
• Gardeners may cultivate Alpine aster as a border plant in landscaping projects to provide a pop of color and structure to garden designs.
• Floral artists could use Alpine aster stems to create botanical inks for drawing or calligraphy, drawing from the plant's pigment for unique colorations.
• In colder climates, the Alpine aster, which is tolerant of alpine conditions, can serve as a hardy perennial ground cover, reducing soil erosion and requiring minimal maintenance.

Feng Shui

The Alpine aster is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Alpine aster is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Patience: The Alpine aster blooms later in the season, reminding us of patience and the reward of waiting for the right moment.
• Love of Variety: With its range of colors, the Alpine aster symbolizes appreciation for diversity and a love of different experiences.
• Strength: As a mountain-dwelling plant, the Alpine aster represents hardiness and the ability to thrive in challenging conditions, indicating inner strength.
• Elegance: The delicate form and graceful petals of the Alpine aster convey a sense of refinement and understated beauty.
• Wisdom: Traditionally associated with the wisdom that comes with age, as asters often bloom in the late summer and fall, symbolizing the passage of time and maturity.