Symphyotrichum boreale

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).

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 1 April 2025 by J.C. Semple

© 2025 J.C. Semple, including all photographs unless otherwise indicated