Symphyotrichum phlogifolium

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).