Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (formerly Aster oblongifolius), commonly known as aromatic aster[4] or oblong-leaved aster,[3] is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae and is native to parts of the eastern and central United States. It is an uncommon herbaceous perennial[5] that reaches heights of 10–80 centimeters (4–31 inches) and blooms August–November with many flower heads in various shades of purple.[3]

Description

Aromatic aster is a perennial, herbaceous flowering plant that reaches heights of 10–80 centimeters (4–31 inches) on one to ten or more stems growing from a sturdy caudex. It blooms August–November with many flower heads in various shades of purple.

Distribution and habitat

Aromatic aster is found in parts of Kansas,[6] Ohio, northern Illinois, hilly parts of southern Illinois, and on the banks of the Mississippi River and Illinois River,[7] as well as other parts of the central United States. It is found in Missouri, along the Ohio River,[4] and from Pennsylvania to Nebraska to Minnesota to Virginia.[8]

Conservation

As of July 2021, NatureServe listed Symphyotrichum oblongifolium as Secure (G5) worldwide; Critically Imperiled (S1) in Colorado and North Carolina; Imperiled (S2) in Wyoming; and, Vulnerable (S3) in Indiana and Ohio.[1]

Citations

References

External links

  • Missouri Plants
  • Petersen, Roger Tory; McKenny, Margaret (1998). A Field Guide to Wildflowers: Northeastern and North-central North America. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. p. 358.