Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database


Symphyotrichum chilense (Pacific Aster, Wetland Aster)

 

Kingdom

 Plantae – Plants

Subkingdom

 Tracheobionta – Vascular plants

Superdivision

 Spermatophyta – Seed plants

Division

 Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants

Class

 Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons

Subclass

 Asteridae

Order

 Asterales

Family

 Asteraceae – Aster family

Genus

 Symphyotrichum Nees – aster

Species

 Symphyotrichum chilense (Nees) G.L. Nesom – Pacific aster

Photo from A Photographic Guide to Plants of Humboldt Bay Dunes and Wetlands, compiled by Gordon Leppig and Andrea J. Pickart

This wetland flower is found primarily along stream banks, moist grasslands, and forested wetlands form Alaska to California.

This is a favorite for native bees and butterflies carving out an important niche for this species.

This perennial aster is hardy on the west coast and spreads by rhizomes.

In colder climates, it may act like an annual spreading by seed.

Meet this aster’s need for moisture and sunshine, and it will do well.

The stalks are tall and airy with sparse foliage, but the flowers are quite nice.

The dainty flower heads have blue to violet outer rays, and the small tubular central flowers that may be white on occasion but are generally yellow.

This is a valuable plant for wetland habitat. USDA zones 5-9.

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