Thin-leaf Late Purple Aster
Symphyotrichum phlogifolium (Muhl. ex Willd.) G.L. Nesom is native to Loamy, sandy, or gravelly soils, rich mesic mixed-hardwood forests (Appalachians), roadsides from Ohio to southern New York south to northeastern Alabama and northern Georgia (Brouillet et al. 2006 FNA). The species is distinguished by its thin, pliable (almost membranous) Leaves, unequal, appressed phyllaries and white disc corollas with purple lobes. It is similar to S. patens var. patens which has thick, firm leaves. The species is tetraploid based on x=5 (2n=20).
Last revised 16 May 2025 by J.C. Semple
© 2025 J.C. Semple, including all photographs unless otherwise indicated
1-2. Symphyotrichum phlogifolium, Semple et al. 2985, Scioto Co., Ohio. 1. Inflorescences. 2. Head.
Jones, R.L. 1992. Additional studies of Aster georgianus, A. patens, and A. phlogifolius (Asteraceae). Sida 15: 305-315.
Brouillet, L., J.C. Semple, G.A. Allen, K. Chambers and S. Sundberg. 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.