ABSTRACT
The Michaelmas daisy (Aster novi-belgii L., Compositae; 2n = 54) is a native of North America widely grown in gardens and has become naturalized in Britain, frequently as a garden escape. It is distinguished from the New England aster (A. novi-angliae) by its smooth leaves and blue flowers. Numerous other species and their hybrids are commonly grown in gardens, and these include many others: A. acris, A. alpinus, A. amellus, A. cordifolius, A. ericoides, A. frikartii, A. tradescantii, and A. yunnanensis.
