_edited.jpg)
This week’s Wildflower Wednesday feature flower is New England Aster.
Aster, a native wildflower is one of the last wildflowers to bloom in WI in the fall.
There are over 150 aster species in North America, and they can be found on every continent except Antarctica.
Aster in Greek means “Star”. They are also known as Michaelmas daisy because they bloom around the autumn equinox, which coincides with the feast of St. Michael.
In ancient times, the leaves of Aster were burned to chase away snakes, negative energy, and evil spirits.
The Hungarian revolution of 1918 became known as the "Aster Revolution". Dissatisfied workers and soldiers protested in Budapest wearing Asters. Apparently, the soldiers removed the rose from their caps, replacing it with Aster, and it became the symbol of the revolution. (I am curious why they were wearing flowers in the first place)
