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What's blooming in Bath, Highland
BY CHARLES GARRATT • STAFF WRITER
 | | Fall asters color roadsides with white, pink, blue and purple flowers. These drought tolerant flowers add welcome late season hues ever if dry weather keeps the trees from displaying full splendor. (Recorder photo by Charles Garratt) |
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WARM SPRINGS - Teardrops of the gods. Such is the fabled origin of the fall asters painting the roadsides with shades from near white to deep purple.
The daisy-like flowers of asters are part of the fall color throughout the Appalachian Mountains and over much of the United States. A number of species can be found in the Highlands including late purple aster, Aster patens, and aromatic aster, Aster oblongifalius.
Asters provide one of the latest displays of wildflowers in the Highlands and along with goldenrod are the most common fall wildflowers. Native American folklore links these two flower families together in a tale of two maidens who survive a battle and are spared by being turned into two beautiful flowers- purple aster and yellow goldenrod.
In Greek mythology, asters arose from tears falling from the goddess Astraea as she left the earth to become the constellation Virgo. In many cultures, fall asters have been considered sacred plants. Wreaths and bouquets were made of asters to honor gods and goddesses.
North America is home to 120 species of asters. Some species of butterflies lay their eggs only on asters. Deer like asters, eating the basal leaves in the spring and the stems, leaves and flowers in the fall. The seeds are an important food source for birds and small mammals in fall and winter.
Native Americans used the plant to mask human odor when hunting. Parts of some varieties were used medicinally though there are no medicinal uses today. Some species may have edible parts according to some sources.
In the Highlands, asters often spread naturally to gardens and yards. Cultivate varieties are available as seeds and plants. The native North American asters were spread around the world quickly by European settlers.
The leaves of aromatic aster are fragrant when crushed. A spray of flowers cut for the table will last a week in water but like many wildflowers will contain a mix of old mature flowers, flowers at peak and new buds.
 | | This red squirrel, also known as the fairydiddle, packed these walnuts into this tire at the home of Keith Carson. (Photos courtesy Keith Carson) |
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Even within the same species of aster, the flower color can vary. White, bluish and deep purple flowers can be found in the same clumps. The color comes from the sterile flowers called rays that circle the fertile flowers in the center, which are normally yellow.
The last few weeks of wildflower season are upon us. Continued dry weather may reduce the normal fall color of the trees, but drought tolerant asters and goldenrod continue to brighten roadsides.
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