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Symphyotrichum ascendens

Symphyotrichum ascendens (Lindl.) G.L. Nesom

Pacific Aster, Purple Aster, Western American-aster, Western Aster

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Synonym(s): Aster adscendens, Aster ascendens, Aster chilensis ssp. adscendens, Aster macounii, Aster subgriseus, Virgulaster ascendens

USDA Symbol: SYAS3

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

The ascending branches of this slender-stemmed, 8-28 in. perennial, bear narrow leaves and 6 in. flower spikes composed of showy, 2 in. wide, purple flowers.

From the Image Gallery

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Purple
Bloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct

Distribution

USA: AZ , CA , CO , ID , MT , NE , NM , NV , OR , UT , WA , WY
Canada: AB , BC , SK
Native Distribution: Sask. to s.e. WA, s. to CO, n. AZ & c. CA
Native Habitat: Moist or dry meadows or woodland openings; 250-7000 ft.

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist to drier soils.
Conditions Comments: This plant is not reliably drought tolerant.

Value to Beneficial Insects

Special Value to Native Bees

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Propagation

Description: Not Available
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:	AGCP	AK	AW	CB	EMP	GP	HI	MW	NCNE	WMVE
Status:			FAC			FACU				FACU

This information is derived from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Wetland Plant List, Version 3.1 (Lichvar, R.W. 2013. The National Wetland Plant List: 2013 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2013-49: 1-241). Click here for map of regions.

From the Archive

Wildflower Newsletter 1990 VOL. 7, NO.4 - Research Update, Wild-Collecting Endangers Natives, Director's Report, Maryland ...

Additional resources

USDA: Find Symphyotrichum ascendens in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Symphyotrichum ascendens in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Symphyotrichum ascendens

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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