Aster – Tataricus ‘Jindai’ (gallon pot)

Description

Tataricus Aster or Tartar Aster or Tatarian Daisy or Jindai Aster – This a very unusual and hard-to-find aster – the root of which is used in Chinese Herbalism.  This aster starts with very large leaves – up to 2 feet long in spring, which can provide a great backdrop for shorter earlier blooming plants. By fall, stalks are 4-5 feet tall and covered in clouds of 1-inch wide pinkish-blue daisy-like flowers. Late blo0oming, providing color up until first frost.

This aster is a great pollinator plant but can be aggressive – spreading by runners. The roots though can be harvested for medicinal use after two years. Harvesting the roots will keep the plants in check. Also dryish soil will also keep them from spreading.

In TCM, the roots, which are referred to as Zi Wan, are used for treating coughs – particularly wet coughs and excess phlegm. Although used by itself sometimes, Zi Wan is often employed in combination. with other herbs in treating a wide variety of cough situations… Dig the roots when the plant is dormant – either fall or early spring in second year or later years.

Likes full sun and average soil. Likes moisture but does fine in drier locations. Like other native asters, the Tataricus Aster  can withstand weed pressure. These get tall – 5 to 7 feet! Stalks are strong and usually don’t need staking!