Michaelmas daisy is a common name referring to at least two asters, one European (Aster mellus)and the other North American (Aster novibelgii). This entry refers to the latter but the Language of Flowers does not distinguish between the two. New York aster is a herbaceous perennial and member of the Asteraceae family that also includes sunflower, yarrow, and lettuce. It is native to Eastern US where it grows in abandon fields, wet meadows, and along roadsides. The gray-green leaves are smooth and clasp the stem. The flowers heads are 1 1/2″ across and consist of fifteen to twenty five pink to lavender, sometimes white, ray flowers surrounding a center of yellow disc flowers. Many cultivars are available that vary primarily in height.Meaning in the Language of Flowers: Cheerfulness in old age
Quotes:
Though time thy bloom is stealing,
There’s still beyond his art,
The wildflower wreath of feeling,
The sunbeam of the heart. Halleck
_____Her mind is still
As beautiful as ever; still the play
Of light around her lips has every charm
Of youth in all its freshness. Percival
Virtue gives pleasure an eternal reign. Young
Virtue can brook the thoughts of age,
That lasts the same through every stage. Gey
What nothing earthly gives, or can destroy,
The soul’s calm sunshine,and the heartfelt joy,
Is virtue’s prize. Pope
For more information go to:
The Language of Flowers: Introduction