Symphyotrichum undulatum

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Perennial. Stems are solitary or clustered from a woody caudex or from short rhizomes; densely pubescent. Typical height is from 2 to 4 feet.

The inflorescence may vary from tall and narrow to broader, "pyramidal" in shape. Branches are ascending to widely spreading.

Flower heads are radiate. Rays are pale blue-violet to nearly white. Disc floret corollas are yellow, turning reddish with age. Involucral bracts are well appressed, pubescent on the outer surface. Dark green zones are oblanceolate or diamond-shaped.

Basal and lower stem leaves are deciduous by flowering. Leaves are wavy-margined (not flat) and clasp stems. Mid-stem leaves are ovate or heart-shaped, borne on thin petioles that are auriculate clasping. Upper leaves are ovate, borne on shorter, wider petioles, or eventually becoming sessile upwards.

Plants of rocky or sandy woods, open woods, clearings, dry roadsides and old fields; usually where competition is sparse. Flowers mid-August to late September. Native.

Similar species: Symphyotrichum cordifolium.