Meet the Asters w/ Paula Gross

Everything you always wanted to know about native Asteraceae, but were afraid to ask. They say go big or go home, so join me as I tackle the largest plant family in our Carolinas Flora – the Aster Family. With over 550 species native or naturalized in our two-state region, it’s no wonder that we have questions. I’ll cover a bit of biology and ecology, as well as some common look-alikes and surprise members, along with my favorites for the home habitat garden. Bring your questions, as I plan to leave time for us to learn together, as we cozy up to the composites!

Paula Gross, M.S., is an educator and botanist who has spent her career connecting plants and people through formal and informal education – from adults and college students to preschoolers. She is the co-author of the Southeast Native Plant Primer and Bizarre Botanicals and the former Associate Director of the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens. Her message of hope for individual and planet is in the profound understanding that we are Nature, not separate from it. This is what inspires her to write, teach, and consult on botanical, horticultural, and mindfulness topics.