Eurybia avita

Rock Aster

Eurybia avita (Alexander) G. L. Nesom is a very rare species native to granitic outgroups in northern Georgia and western South Carolina and was reported from one now extinct site in western North Carolina.  Brouillet (2006 FNA) noted the similarities to E. surculosa and E. paludosa citing Kral (1983).  I have seen populations at multiple locations in Georgia (including several locations at Stone Mt.) and in Pickens Co., SC.  The putative population from North Carolina is now extinct due to dam construction and habitat loss. Both violet-blue and white rayed morphs occur.

Brouillet, L.  2006. Eurybia (Cassini) Cassini in F. Cuvier. pp. 365-382. 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 updated 30 March 2025 by J.C. Semple

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

Eurybia avita, habitat, 6146, Rockdale, GA
Eurybia avita 6146 shoot
Eurybia avita, habit, 6158, Pickens Co., SC
Eurybia avita, white rays, 6158, Pickens Co., SC
Eurybia avita, inflorescence, 6146, Rockdale, GA
Eurybia avita dot distribution Semple draft
Eurybia avita, habitat, 6146, Rockdale, GA
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Eurybia avita 6146 shoot
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Eurybia avita, habit, 6158, Pickens Co., SC
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Eurybia avita, white rays, 6158, Pickens Co., SC
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Eurybia avita, inflorescence, 6146, Rockdale, GA
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Eurybia avita dot distribution Semple draft
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1-6. Eurybia avita. 1-2. Habitat and shoot, Rockdale, Semple & Chmielewski 6146, Rockdale Co., Georgia.  3-4. Habitat and shoot, white rays, Semple & Chmielewski 6158, Pickens Co., South Carolina. 5. Inflorescence, S & Ch 6146. 6. Distribution map.