The asteraceae (aster, or composite) family is the largest group of UK wildflowers, with well over a hundred species, not counting hawkweeds, which account for another 250 or so. They produce compound flowerheads rather than single flowers, containing many florets, either ray florets which are strap-shaped and petal-like, or disc florets which are narrower, and tubular. Often both types are present. Beneath the florets are one or more rings of bracts, or phyllaries, the shape and hairiness of which are often key to identifying the species.
