Aster arenarius, commonly known as the beach sand aster, is a species of aster endemic to southeast China, Japan, and Korea.[1]
Aster arenarius is a herbaceous biennial or perennial plant, which grows to a height of . Stems are branched from the base, with spatulate leaves measuring between . Leaves are alternate, entire or dentate. Roots are tuberous or woody rhizomes.[2] Flowers are typically blue-violet or white, with yellow centres.[3] The fruit is an achene, ripening in September to October, ovate, measuring long and wide, with hairs on the margins.
Aster arenarius grows along sandy seashores, near sea level.[3]
The flowers have been used not only for ornamental purposes, but also as raw materials in the manufacturing process due to the increasing demand for natural compounds various industries.[4]
The young shoots of the plant are edible.[5]
Research has confirmed that Aster arenarius is high in antioxidants and other valuable natural resources that can be used in the pharmaceutical, perfume, and cosmetic industries.[4]