Late Purple American Aster

Description: Symphyotrichum patens is a Missouri native aster which occurs in rocky or sandy open woods, thickets and glade margins in the Ozark region of the State (Steyermark). It is an upright plant that typically grows to 2.5' tall on slender, hairy, brittle stems. Features daisy-like asters (to 1" diameter) with blue to violet rays and yellow centers from late summer well into fall. Flowers appear singly at the ends of slender stems. Untoothed, stem-clasping, ovate-oblong leaves (to 2" long) are rough-textured and hairy. Commonly called spreading aster or late purple aster. Flowers are attractive to butterflies.

Locations in Campus: Lakeside

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