Symphyotrichum prenanthoides

Symphyotrichum prenanthoides (formerly Aster prenanthoides) is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae known by the common name crookedstem aster. It is native to northcentral and northeastern North America.

This rhizomatous perennial herb produces colonies of plants with stems that may exceed 1 m in length. These stems grow upright to erect and may be crooked or nearly straight, often becoming thick and purple with age. The leaves vary in size and shape. The flower heads are borne in branching arrays on purplish stems. The ray florets are lavender or blue in color, or sometimes white. There are up to 30 ray florets measuring up to 15 mm in length. At the center are disk florets in shades of cream and yellow to purple or brown.

This plant grows in many habitats, including woody and marshy areas as well as roadsides.

Conservation
It is a special concern species in Connecticut, where it is believed to be extirpated.

Uses
The Iroquois use this plant medicinally to treat fevers in babies and for other ailments.