Symphyotrichum jessicae

Jessica’s Aster

Symphyotrichum jessicae (Piper) Nesom is a rare species native to dry grasslands, meadows, stream banks, openings in Ponderosa pine woodlands, roadside embankments in the Palouse and Clearwater river drainages of eastern Washington and adjacent northwestern Idaho (Brouillet et al. 2006; FNA). Stems are densely puberulent to lanate, especially distally; leaves are densely cinereous to lanate, bases clasping; rays are violet. The species is decaploid 2n=80.

Symphyotrichm jessicae is of conservation concern.

Symphyotrichum jessicae colony 4390 WA

Symphyotrichum jessicae, colony, Semple & Brouillet 4390 WAT, Pullman, Washington

Symphyotrichum jessicae stm invols 4390 WA

Symphyotrichum jessicae, stm and involucres, Semple & Brouillet 4390 WAT, Pullman, Washington

Symphyotrichum jessicae hds 4390 WA

Symphyotrichum jessicae, heads, Semple & Brouillet 4390 WAT, Pullman, Washington

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.

Revised 14 May 2021 by J.C. Semple