Sea aster

When: July - October

Scientific name: Aster tripolium

Also known as: Michealmas daisies, due to late flowering period

Height: Up to 70cm 

Where: Along the saltmarsh shores of the river Forth, RSPB Skinflats, Kinneil Foreshore

Sea aster adds a dazzling stroke of colour to the shores of the Inner Forth during the summer. Crossing the Kincardine Bridge, one can glance across the river to be met with glorious purples and yellows, a welcome change from the usual brownish tones of the mudflats.

Although most asters in the UK have been imported from America, sea aster is actually native to these shores. The sea aster's ability to survive in saltmarsh conditions sets it apart from its cousins, as this kind of endurance requires some impressive adaptations; being partially submerged in salt water for half the day is not easy! These flowers are also an important food plant for late butterflies such as the red admiral, and may explain the name given to them in southern English counties of 'Summer's Farewell'.

Saltmarshes, the sea aster's main habitat, is a precious environment that has been greatly depleted since the late 1800s, due to land reclaim and rising sea levels. This habitat goes through many cycles and is subject to great chage should a fierce storm or tide come along and refashion the shoreline. There are a few precious estuarine saltmarsh sites around the UK, so the shores of the Inner Forth should be appreciated and well looked after as a great example of this decliing habitat.