Saltmarsh aster
Symphyotrichum subulatum (Michx.) G.L. Nesom
Images
Click on image to view full size
Morphology
- Stem
- Erect or prostrate, much branched above, glabrous.
- Leaves
- Alternate, simple, sessile, linear to linear-lanceolate, 1/2 to 7 inches long, 1/12 to 1 inch wide, margins entire or remotely serrate, upper leaves much reduced.
- Inflorescence
- Heads in panicle-like, diffuse arrays.
- Flower
- Involucre 1/5 to 1/3 inch tall; involucral bracts overlapping in 3 or 4 series, tapering to point, greenish toward apex, tip reddish or purple; ray florets 15-30 or more, ligule 1/8 to 1/6 inch long, purple to pink or white; disk florets numerous, yellowish.
- Fruit
- Achenes, tiny, glabrous, brownish; pappus of hair-like bristles.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Low, damp or drying sites; saline soils.
- Distribution
- Principally in central and south-central Kansas.
Practical Information
- Forage Value
- Rarely grazed by livestock.
Additional Notes
Comments
A weedy species that can be a problem in lawns.
Synonyms
Alternative scientific names that have been used for this plant.
Scientific Name: Aster subulatus
Full Citation: Aster subulatus Michx.
Subspecies/Varieties:
- var. ligulatus Shinners
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Wildflower
- Family
- Asteraceae - Sunflower Family
- Life Span
- Annual
- Height
- 4-40 inches
- Last Updated
- 2023-10-05
Color Groups
Blue, Purple, Lavender & Violet Wildflowers
White, Green & Greenish White Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Blooms: August, September, October