Scientific Family
Asteraceae
Other common names
southwestern annual saltmarsh
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Similar species
Symphyotrichum lanceolatum var. hesperium
Height
1 to 5 feet
Riparian
Yes
Single main stem that branches as it reaches the flowering region. Rhizomes spread to form large colonies.
Flowerhead bracts are unequal with flat tips in 4 to 6 series; ray flowers have fine bristles at their base, disc florets are yellow turning purple; stems erect, sparsely to densely hairy.
Habitat
Meadows, fields, swamps, wetlands, and any disturbed area that is moist.
Plant Community
Disturbed Areas
Riparian
Low elevation
0
High elevation
6700
Flower Characteristics
Ray flowers are generally white while the disc flowers are white to yellowish. Flowers grow sparsely along the branches.
Flower color
White
Flower shape
Daisy or dandelion-like
Tubular
No
First bloom month
July
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
None
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Dead leaves on the stems are very curly. They are a distinctive identifying feature of this plant.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit type
Achene
Seed is flat with a tuft of hair that aides wind dispersal.