Kingdom Plantae Tribe Astereae Scientific name Symphyotrichum chilense Rank Species | Order Asterales Genus Symphyotrichum Higher classification Symphyotrichum | |
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Similar Symphyotrichum, Daisy family, Symphyotrichum ascendens, Symphyotrichum eatonii, Symphyotrichum falcatum | ||
Symphyotrichum chilense (formerly Aster chilensis) is a species of aster known by the common names Pacific aster and common California aster.
It is native to the West Coast of North America from British Columbia to Southern California and the Channel Islands. It grows in many types of habitats, especially along the coast and in the coastal mountain ranges. Despite its Latin name, it does not occur in Chile.
Description
Symphyotrichum chilense is a rhizomatous perennial herb growing to heights between 40 centimeters and one meter. The hairy leaves are narrowly oval-shaped, pointed, and sometimes finely serrated along the edges.
The inflorescence holds aster flower heads with centers of yellow disc florets and fringes of many narrow light purple ray florets. The fruit is a rounded, hairy achene with a pappus.