People still call them asters. They have just been split into several genera separate from the genus Aster.

The changes have been in name only for the most part. If you find an older key to the "asters" the names can easily be updated. Keep in mind that some of the "new" names are not really new and the adoption of them isn't always based on DNA evidence. Even when molecular techniques are used to separate out clades, that work is based on corresponding morphological differences previously identified.

There are some good field guides that can help with identification. Newcomb's Wildflower Guide is one of the better ones. Online sources are harder to find and mostly just have pictures, like the Connecticut Botanical Society. The flora of North America has keys online but they can be challenging, particularly with the new names (instead of a key to the genus Aster, it has all the new genera). However, if you are interested in learning how to identify asters it is worthwhile to learn some of the terminology used to describe the features of the aster family (e.g. phyllaries, involucre, pappus, ect.)

Thanks. I do have Newcomb's book, but my problem is having these plants that someone better trained than I already ID'ed as a particular one...but they don't look alike. That is what is stumping me. I will check the Connecticut site...have used that for ferns but didn't think about Asters. Again, I appreciat the help.

The NC Herbarium has Weakley's Flora, but the "aster" section is not complete. And of course it does not have pictures.

There is a site with good pictures for northeastern asters: http://www.nttlphoto.com/botany/asters-goldenrods/asters.htm

Here is a link that might be useful: NC Herbarium

Thanks. I also sent the website to a friend who is better keying out than I am. Maybe between the two of us we can solve this mystery. I was interested to see the many divisions for asters. I thought we had only the three, but maybe we do, in the south, and they have more up north?

If I can send you any pictures of mine, let me know. I have A. concolor in bloom now. I also have A. patens. And I just recently found Eurybia spectabilis, but don't have a picture of the bloom (it faded).

And this website has some good pictures:
http://www.southeasternflora.com/species_list.asp#S

Here is a link that might be useful: direct link to

Great website, not just for asters. Thanks. Now, I just need some time to pick a few examples before the frosts changes everything.