Aster diplostephioides

Aster diplostephioides, or double crowned aster, is a herbaceous perennial. This means it lives for years without woody stems. It belongs to the aster family, Asteraceae. It comes from the Himalayas and parts of China. Records list Bhutan, Nepal, India, and several provinces in China. In the wild, it grows in high alpine pastures. These lie at heights of 9,843–12,467 feet [3,000–3,800 metres]. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The plant grows in an upright clump from a strong, branched rhizome, an underground stem. Its stems stand straight and do not branch. The RHS gives a garden height and spread of 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. It also lists stems that reach 2 feet [0.6 metres]. Plants reach full size in one to two years. The leaves fall each year; they are not evergreen. The species is self-fertile: it can set seed with its own pollen. The evidence does not say how pollen reaches the flowers. The supplied sources do not describe this species' flowers or fruit.

Grow it in full sun in soil that drains well. The soil should hold some moisture but need not be rich. It needs a fair level of soil nutrients. It accepts chalk, clay, loam, and sand. It tolerates acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. The RHS lists sites both with and without shelter. Its listed sites include those that face east or south. Its RHS hardiness rating is H7, for temperatures below −20°C. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 6–9.

This aster suits rock gardens, flower beds, and mixed borders. Use it in cottage gardens, loose planting schemes, and wildflower meadows. Divide plants or sow seed in spring to grow more. You can also take soft cuttings from the plant's base. Cut old stems near the ground in late autumn. Or cut them in early spring before new shoots emerge. Watch for slugs, snails, and leaf and bud eelworms. Diseases may include Fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, and grey mould.

Plants For A Future records no known edible uses. It lists no known hazards, but this does not prove safety. Records note the flowers' use in Tibetan medicine. Reported uses cover fever, influenza, nosebleeds, and poisoning. These uses come from tradition, not proof that treatment works. The source gives a medicinal rating of two out of five. It records no other uses. It does not flag the plant as a potential weed.