PURPLE FLOWERS

It's Flower Friday and today's offering is just coming into its own in Wisconsin.  Fall Blooming Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) aka Fall Aster, Aromatic Aster, October Skies, Wild Blue Aster, Shale Aster, Oblong-leaved Aster, Texas Aster.
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Native to Eastern and Central U.S., especially Missouri.  Its flowers and stems release a balsam-like fragrance when crushed. Fall Aster is used as a ground cover for dry, sunny areas and grows well with native grasses. Tea can be made from the roots of this plant to help reduce fever.  They add a bright color to the roadsides this time of year and are important for bees stocking up for the winter..
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BEST IN LARGE.