Scientific Family
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Symphyotrichum subulatum var. parviflorum, Aster inconspicuus, Aster subulatus var. cubensis, Tripolium subulatum
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual
Height
1 to 3 feet
Riparian
Yes
Plant is erect, often with short leafy branches.
Taprooted annual; flower head of 21 to 54 ray flowers longer than wide, rays greater than or equal to 0.2 mm wide, 7 to 23 disc flowers; phyllaries (bracts) taper-pointed; leaves narrow, or somewhat broader and tapering towards the stem.
Habitat
Roadsides, marshy habitats, ditches and ravines.
Plant Community
Disturbed Areas
Riparian
Low elevation
0
High elevation
3500
Flower Characteristics
Flower heads on each plant can number 20 to 100 and occur in open, diffuse arrays.
Flower color
White or purplish
Flower shape
Daisy or dandelion-like
Tubular
No
First bloom month
July
Last bloom month
November
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves are thin and green to dark green with smooth margins. Bases of leaves (petioles) have sheaths that wrap around the stems. Stems are smooth and erect, often with purple or purplish brown areas.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Papery fruit capsule is light brown to purple with white bristles.
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit color
Light brown to purple