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Machaeranthera bigelovii var. bigelovii
Machaeranthera bigelovii (A. Gray) Greene var. bigelovii
Bigelow's Tansyaster, Plains Aster, Tansy Aster
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
Synonym(s): Aster aquifolius, Aster bigelovii, Aster pattersonii, Aster rubrotinctus, Machaeranthera aquifolia, Machaeranthera centaureoides, Machaeranthera pattersonii, Machaeranthera rubricaulis
USDA Symbol: MABIB
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
This is a showy, annual or biennial tansy aster with large, lavender-rayed flowers seen blooming en masse in autumn. The 1-3 ft. plant blooms to a lesser extent in spring and summer. Foliage on the leafy stems is sticky and hairy.
From the Image Gallery
Plant Characteristics
Duration: BiennialHabit: Herb
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall.
Leaf: Green
Fruit: Fruit is a cypsela (pl. cypselae). Though technically incorrect, the fruit is often referred to as an achene.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: PurpleBloom Time: Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov
Distribution
USA: CO , NM , NV , OK , WYNative Distribution: W. CO, NM & AZ
Native Habitat: Canyons; slopes; plains; 3000-7000 ft.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Part Shade
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Shallow or rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Plains aster can begin blooming as early as March, but its main bloom period starts in September.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yesPropagation
Commercially Avail: yesAdditional resources
USDA: Find Machaeranthera bigelovii var. bigelovii in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Machaeranthera bigelovii var. bigelovii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Machaeranthera bigelovii var. bigelovii
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01Research By: TWC Staff