Whorled wood aster

The zigzagging stem of this aster may be 30 to 100 cm tall. Its alternate leaves are thin and divided, ending in a narrow point. The leaves near the top of the stem are closer together than those near the bottom. Its white flowers are grouped in an inflorescence on a leafy peduncle. The bracts, or leaves surrounding the flowers, are linear, with rays 12 to 15 mm long. The later are straight and white or purple.