calico American-aster

Although this native perennial can grow into a 2' to 3' bush, the calico-American-aster is typically small and easily missed at Salter Grove where it grows in semi-shaded habitat within or on the edge of woodland.  Compared to other asters at Salter Grove,  its delicate appearance is accentuated by the small number of white ray florets and the relatively small number of composite flowers produced.  

The "calico" in its common name refers to the variety of colors in the disk florets.  To start with, the disk florets are pale yellow but become brown or reddish purple as they mature.  Its specific name, lateriflorum, refers to the arrangement of flower heads on only one side of the long sprawling branches.

For more information:

https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/symphyotrichum/lateriflorum/?pile=composites

http://ontariowildflowers.com/main/species.php?id=6

https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/savanna/plants/calico_aster.htm