Heath Aster,  Symphyotrichum pilosum
(formerly Aster pilosus  what happened?)
Asteraceae or Sunflower Family

Flower heads consisting of a cluster of central yellow disc flowers surrounded by white ray flowers.  Leaves narrow, sharp-pointed.  Many small leaves in the inflorescence.  Plant 1 to 5 feet tall.  Blooms in the fall.

Plant of field, meadows and roadsides.  Uncommon in the Park, in open areas.

Easily distinguished from the other asters in the Park by the pure white flowers and the leafy inflorescences.  Panicled aster is somewhat similar, but has larger flowers and wider leaves. Calico aster (S. lateriflorum) has fewer rays and wider leaves.