The many kinds of goldenrods and asters are a visually striking and ubiquitous feature of our late summer and fall landscapes. However, since many of them look much alike, they can be a challenge to identify. This class, led by Ted Elliman on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will focus on the identification features and habitats of about 40 species of goldenrods and asters, looking closely at the characteristics that help to distinguish them in the field. Begin with a talk at BBG for an overview of these species and their identification features, followed by a field trip to a location rich in both asters and goldenrods to see many varieties in natural conditions. (Rain date for field trip is Sunday, Sept. 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Ted Elliman worked for many years for Native Plant Trust as a staff botanist, invasive species program manager and instructor of botany, ecology and conservation classes. His book, “The Wildflowers of New England,” an identification guide to much of the region’s native flora, was published in 2016 by Timber Press. Ted founded and directed an environmental education and wilderness adventure center in the Berkshires. He periodically leads natural history tours to southwest China, where he worked as a teacher and forest ecologist for two years.