Introduction to the Asterids

Where are the pretty pictures?

The picture above shows some of the vast diversity of the asterids. Clockwise from upper left they are: Verbascum thapsus; foxglove (Digitalis); Anethum, a member of the carrot family; Salvia dorrii, a mint; Downingia; and Madia elegans, a relative of the daisy.

The asterids are one of the largest subgroups of the flowering plants, with more than 75,000 species. Many familiar flowers, shrubs, and trees belong to this group, including olives, sunflowers, lettuce, potato, coffee, and ivy.

Click on the buttons below to find out more about the Asterids.

You can navigate deeper into the Asterid groups by selecting Systematics!

Images used in the asterid collage property of the Jepson Herbarium, and used by special arrangement.