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Oclemena spp.
wood aster
Overview
Oclemena spp. is a genus of perennial herbs in the family Asteraceae, native to eastern North America and segregated from the broad genus Aster spp.. It contains about four species, including the whorled wood aster (O. acuminata), bog aster (O. nemoralis), and net-veined aster (O. reticulata). Plants grow from creeping rhizomes and form erect, often unbranched stems 20-100 cm (8-40 in) tall. The leaves are alternate but sometimes crowded into a false whorl below the inflorescence, lance- to elliptic-shaped, toothed, and 4-12 cm (1.5-5 in) long. From late summer into autumn the stems carry loose clusters of daisy-like flower heads 2-3.5 cm (0.8-1.4 in) across, each with 7-18 white to pale pink ray florets surrounding a yellow disc that ages to purplish. Species occupy contrasting habitats: O. acuminata grows in dry to moist deciduous woodland, while O. nemoralis is confined to acidic bogs and wet peat. This habitat range means moisture needs differ widely across the genus. Spread is by rhizome and by wind-borne seed, and colonies can form open drifts in suitable ground.
Native Range
Oclemena spp. is native to eastern North America, from eastern Canada south through the Appalachian region and the eastern United States. Species range from dry upland woods to acidic bogs and wet peatlands.Suggested Uses
Oclemena spp. species are used in native woodland gardens, naturalistic borders, and, for the bog species, in pond margins and rain gardens. They combine with other asters, goldenrods, and grasses in late-season plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 3'4"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pale pink with yellow discFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight