Symphyotrichum puniceum

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Perennial. Stems are solitary or clustered from a branched caudex or from short rhizomes; typically densely pubescent throughout with stiff hairs. (Plants with stems that are sparsely pubescent to nearly glabrous may occasionally be found.) Typical height is from 3 to 5+ feet.

The inflorescence is many-branched, often tall, round-topped or peaked. Branching often begins below mid-stem.

Flower heads are radiate. Rays are pale blue-violet. Disc floret corollas are yellow, turning reddish with age. Involucral bracts are long and slender, often spreading and recurved.

Basal and lowermost stem leaves are usually deciduous by flowering. Mid- to upper stem leaves are lanceolate or oblanceolate, often toothed, tapered gradually toward the base, or not at all. Leaf bases are auriculate clasping.

Plants of mesic woods and clearings, swamps, roadside ditches, wet meadows, pond shores and thickets. Flowers mid-August through September. Native. Our plants are:

Our plants are: Symphyotrichum puniceum (L.) Á. Löve and D. Löve var. puniceum.

Similar species: Symphyotrichum-prenanthoides and Symphyotrichum firmum.