Aster flower (scientific name: Aster tataricus L. f.), also known as Qingyuan, Ziqian, Xiaozhuan, etc.; Asteraceae, a perennial herb with obliquely ascending rhizomes. Stems erect, 40-50 cm tall, stout, with fibrous dead leaf fragments at the base and often adventitious roots, with ribs and furrows, sparsely hairy, with sparse leaves. Basal leaves withered at flowering stage, oblong or elliptic spatulate, lower part tapering to long stalk. Asters are very common flowers with sparse purple petals.
Legend has it that the aster flower was transformed by an infatuated woman. For her premature lover, she quietly opened small purple flowers at the end of autumn and waited for her lover’s wandering soul. Another legend is that in order to comfort the loved one, the dead will bloom small lavender flowers around the grave in autumn. The living lover looks at this little flower, just like seeing the former lover, immersed in beautiful memories and thoughts.