Symphyotrichum ascendens

(Western Aster)

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Symphyotrichum ascendens, Silver Shekel, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 6705

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Symphyotrichum ascendens, Silver Shekel, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 6723

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Symphyotrichum ascendens, Silver Shekel, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 6733

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Symphyotrichum ascendens, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 8552/8559

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Symphyotrichum ascendens, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 8608/8633

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Symphyotrichum ascendens, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 8655

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Symphyotrichum ascendens, Silver Shekel, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 6717

Scientific Name Symphyotrichum ascendens (Aster ascendens) USDA PLANTS Symbol SYAS3
Common Name Western Aster ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 522184
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Foothills to montane (5000 to 10500 ft.); roadsides, meadows, along streams.
Plant: Erect perennial 4 to 48 inches tall, growing in colonies; single or multiple stems with dense, short hairs.
Leaves: Basal and stem leaves linear to narrowly-lanceolate, 3/4 to 4 inches long with smooth edges.
Inflorescence: Showy flower heads about 1 to 1-1/4 inches across with 25 to 65 narrow rays, pink to violet or blue; large number of yellow disk florets; recurved green phyllaries (bracts), rounded or with pointed tips.
Bloom period: July to September.
References: SEINet and "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield.
BONAP Distribution Map

Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains