Short-rayed Alkali Aster
Symphyotrichum frondosum (Nutt.) Nesom is native to moist, usually saline soils, summer-receding shores of lakes or ponds, vernally moist, alkaline bottoms, marshes, and often in steppes from British Columbia to Baja California and east to Wyoming and New Mexico (Brouillet et al. 2021; FNA). The species is has numerous small pink ray florets. The species is diploid (2n=14).
1-3. Symphyotrichum frondosum. 1-2. Large plant and inflorescence branch,Semple & Heard 8649, San Bernardino Co., California. 3. Heads. Semple & Brouillet 7194, Harney Co., Oregon.
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.
Last revised 3 April 2025 by J.C. Semple
© 2025 J.C. Semple, including all photographs unless otherwise indicated