Symphyotrichum boreale

Rush Aster

Symphyotrichum boreale (Torr. & A. Gray) Löve & Löve is widely distributed across Canada and into adjacent states in the United States south to Nebraska and eastern Wyoming. It occurs in boggy habitats, along streams, and in marshy areas. It can be similar to Symphyotrichum lanceolatum, S. nahanniense, and S. welshii and was included in multivariate study by Owen et al. (2006). It has slender rhizomes and is often found only as small plants. the species includes diploids 2n=16 , tetraploids 2n=32, hexaploids 2n=48 and possibly octoploids 2n=64.

Symphyotrichum boreale 4338 AB

Symphyotrichum boreale, small shoot, Semple & Brouillett 4338 WAT, Alberta

Symphyotrichum boreale S 11233 WY

Symphyotrichum boreale, heads, Semple & B. Semple 11233 WAT, southeastern Wyoming

Symphyotrichum boreale Garton 2684 Ontario

Symphyotrichum boreale, large shoot, Garton 2684 DAO, Ontario

Owen, E., J. C. Semple and B. Baum. 2006. A multivariate morphometric analysis of the Symphyotrichum boreale - S. nahanniense - S. welshii complex (Asteraceae: Astereae). Can. J. Bot 84: 1282–1297.

Revised 3 May 2021 by J.C. Semple