China astern. An annual plant (Callistephus chinensis) of the composite family, native to China and widely cultivated in several forms for its showy, variously colored flower heads.American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.China aster n (Plants) a Chinese plant, Callistephus chinensis, widely cultivated for its aster-like flowers: family Asteraceae (composites) Collins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014Chi?na as`ter n. an asterlike composite plant, Callistephus chinensis, cultivated in numerous varieties having white, yellow, blue, red, or purple flowers. [1810?20] Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.