Re: Plant to ID

[Mark Mayfield]

Hi Jill, 

You are right!! frost aster or hairy oldfield aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum) is a common perennial in Kansas and it is a plant that prefers early successional or disturbed sites. So, it is going to colonize any place that is being hayed or grazed. It is being noticed now because this is the time of year that it flowers.

Best, Mark

Mark H Mayfield

Division of Biology

Kansas State University

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From: Jill Barnhardt <jbarn...@ksu.edu>
Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2025 3:37 PM
To: Mark Mayfield <mark...@ksu.edu>
Subject: Plant to ID

 

Hello Mark!  I have a producer that would like to identify this plant.  I am thinking it is a frost aster but wanted to check with you.  It is showing up in hay meadows, pastures and around the barn yard. The picture with the cluster of plants is 3' to 4' wide.  It is about 30" tall.   He says it has an all-yellow center in the early flowering state, now changing to a darker center with maturity. 

Thank you, 

Jill 

 

Jill Barnhardt

4-H / Agriculture and Natural Resources

K-State Extension – Coffey County

Kansas State University

620.364.5313

coffey.ksu.edu

225 Cross Street, PO Box 269

Burlington, KS 66839