Symphyotrichum chilense
Asteraceae
Common California Aster
Sprawling to upright. Stems slender, somewhat hairy on upper parts. Basal leaves 3–8 in. long, lance-shaped, with petioles, withering as the plant blooms; stem leaves linear to elliptical, very short, sessile, entire, slightly hairy. Inflorescence consists of cymes with numerous small flower heads; oblong to egg-shaped, large, green bracts form cup; violet, lavender, or white ray flowers. Grows in meadows, open areas.
- Rarity: Locally Common
- Flowering Time: Early Summer, Mid Summer, Late Summer
- Flower Form: Aster Tribe, Composite
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Height: 20–40 inches
- Habitat: Coastal, Meadow
- Found In: Olympic NP
- Native: Yes
- Also Known As: Pacific Aster
- Latin Synonyms: Aster chilensis
