Aster tataricus

Aster tataricus, also called Tartarian aster and Tatarinow's aster, is a member of the Aster genus of flowering plants.

Culinary
Known as gaemichwi (개미취) in Korean, the plant is considered a chwinamul (edible Aster) variety used in Korean cuisine.

Medicinal
It is one of the 50 fundamental herbs of traditional Chinese medicine, where it has the name zǐwǎn. It has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, Pseudomonas and Vibrio proteus.

In culture
In Japan, Aster tataricus is known as shion, or 紫苑. The flower has a meaning in hanakotoba, the Japanese language of flowers, which corresponds to "I won't forget you."