Two species of Blue Star occur in the panhandle, one in wet woodlands, the other, pictured here, along the backslope of dry, sandy roadsides. The stem is about 2′ tall with very narrow leaves and is topped by a showy cluster of pale blue, star-shaped flowers.
More information at Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants.
Blue mistflower is a sure sign that autumn
has arrived, or is certainly not far
away. Spreading rapidly by underground
runners, this aggressive perennial forms
large colonies of 1-3’-tall plants. The
numerous compact heads of deep blue or
purple flowers add significant charm to
October roadsides.
More information at Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants.
Several blue-flowered Asters are found along panhandle roadsides. Scaleleaf Aster, shown here, is a low-growing species with tiny, awl-shaped leaves that point upward and tightly hug the stem. Chapman’s Aster has similar flowers but grows much taller, with a slender arching stem that is nearly devoid of leaves.
More information at Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants.
