Home
Fact-checked

At HomeQuestionsAnswered, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Asteraceae?

Greer Hed
Greer Hed

The Asteraceae family, also referred to as the Compositae family, is one of the largest families of flowering plants. This family has about 25,000 different plant species, including many different varieties of daisy and aster, as well as the sunflower, yarrow, goldenrod, and dahlia. Most plants in the family are herbs or shrubs, although a few species of Asteraceae are trees or climbing vines. Members of this family of plants are often easy to recognize due to their clusters of tiny flowers, called florets, that share the same receptacle, or stem. Plants of this family are found on every continent except Antarctica, but seem to particularly thrive in tropical regions.

Asteraceae is the name preferred by most botanists. This name comes from the Greek word "aster," meaning star, a reference to the shape of the flowers found on plants in this family. The name Compositae originated with the discovery of the family in the late 18th century, and is still considered valid. This name, meaning "composite," refers to the clusters of flowers that are characteristic of the family.

Marigolds are flowering plants of the Asteraceae family that are found in many gardens.
Marigolds are flowering plants of the Asteraceae family that are found in many gardens.

As this family is so large, it is commonly subdivided into smaller groups, called tribes. Three of the largest tribes are Senecioneae, Astereae, and Heliantheae. The largest of these three is Senecioneae, which includes many species of plants often considered to be weeds, and many other species that are poisonous to livestock and other animals who attempt to eat them. Astereae is the next largest tribe and its members include many of the popular flowering genera of the Asteraceae family, such as the aster and the daisy. Heliantheae is the third largest, and includes many sunflower genera.

The Asteraceae family includes many different varieties of daisy.
The Asteraceae family includes many different varieties of daisy.

Asteraceae are popular garden plants due to their numerous and often brightly colored blossoms. Aside from daisies and asters, chrysanthemums, marigolds, zinnias, and dahlias are all ornamental flowering plants of the family Asteraceae that are found in many gardens. The same family also includes a wide variety of plants that are considered pests or weeds by many gardeners, such as ragwort, goldenrod, dandelions, and thistles.

Lettuce is a member of the aster family.
Lettuce is a member of the aster family.

Apart from their use in gardens as ornamental plants, plants from the aster family have a wide range of other uses. Lettuce and artichokes are both members of this family that are eaten as food plants. Sunflowers produce seeds that can be eaten as a snack or used to make cooking oils. Many other plants of the family Asteraceae are used to brew herbal teas, such as chamomile and pot marigold.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Marigolds are flowering plants of the Asteraceae family that are found in many gardens.
      By: Dionisvera
      Marigolds are flowering plants of the Asteraceae family that are found in many gardens.
    • The Asteraceae family includes many different varieties of daisy.
      By: artush
      The Asteraceae family includes many different varieties of daisy.
    • Lettuce is a member of the aster family.
      By: amadeoav
      Lettuce is a member of the aster family.
    • The sunflower is a member of the Asteraceae family of flowering plants.
      By: Sunny studio
      The sunflower is a member of the Asteraceae family of flowering plants.