Tufted White Prairie Aster
Retrieved from: http://www.flowers.pictures1.org/author/admin-33/page/15
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 3: 427.
Names: Ótskaapistsisskitsi (Blackfoot); Mistasakewusk (Cree); Tufted White Prairie Aster (English); Aster blanc tufté des Prairies (French); Aster ericoides (Latin)
Other Common Names: Big Love Medicine, White Heath Aster
Characteristics: Has many clustered stems with numerous narrow, hairy leaves. Many white flowers with bristles in one-sided clusters.
Optimal Growing Conditions: Light sun and dry soil.
Habitat and Origin: In dry prairie areas from southern Manitoba to the Arctic Circle, and from southern Yukon into Alaska.
Edible Portions: None
Aboriginal Peoples Uses: Roots commonly dried and pounded into a powder, used on cuts to stop bleeding. Roots can also be boiled in water, liquid then cooled and used as an eyewash.