Aster spathulifolius

Aster spathulifolius (Korean: 해국]/Haeguk, known in English as seashore spatulate aster) is a native Korean chrysanthemum flower that grows on seashores. Due to its short height and thick leaves, Haeguk endures strong wind and coldness. It produces purple flowers in sunny spots between rocks, in July through November. This Haeguk grows only in Korea and Japan. It originated in Ulleungdo and Dokdo, two Korean islands in the East Sea. Dokdo has special meaning to Koreans because it was the first Korean territory to fall victim to Japanese imperialism before Japan’s forced occupation of Korea (1910-1945). In fall, Haeguks are in full bloom, coloring Dokdo in purple.