Rayless Annual Aster, Rayless Alkali Aster, aster cilié
Symphyotrichum ciliatum (Ledebour) Nesom is a widely distributed, easy to miss rayless species native to moist, brackish soils, prairies, steppes, salt marshes (Hudson Bay), summer-receding prairie ponds, open grounds in loess hills, irrigation channels, winter-salted highways, railroads, waste ground across northern North America and the steppes of Eurasia westward to Rumania (Brouillet et al. 2016; FNA). The species is introduced east of the Prairies in winter-salted wastegrounds and roadsides. It is diploid (2n=14).
Brouillet, L., J.C. Semple, G.A. Allen, K. Chambers and S. Sundburg. 2006. Symphyotrichum Nees. pp. 465-539. In Flora North America Editorial Committee, eds. Flora of North America. Vol. 20. Asteraceae, Part 2. Astereae and Senecioneae. Oxford University Press, New York.
Revised 3 April 2025 by J.C. Semple
© 2025 J.C. Semple, including all photographs unless otherwise indicated
