Symphyotrichum shortii

Symphyotrichum shortii (Lindley) Nesom is native to open, often thin, rocky, well-drained soils, oak-hickory woods, edges of woods, thickets, calcareous hammocks, wooded stream banks or cliffs, and along roadsides in the eastern US and adjacent southern Ontario (Brouillet et al. 2006; FNA). The species is of conservation concern along the whole periphery of its range.  Upper leaves are short-petiolate (petioles sometimes narrowly winged, sometimes slightly clasping); ray florets are usually blue or purple-blue, seldom pinkish or white. The species includes diploids (2n=16) and tetraploids (2n=32).

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 13 May 2025 by J.C. Semple

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