Symphyotrichum boreale - (image 1 of 3)
Taxonomy
Family: Asteraceae
Habitat
Characteristic of calcareous fens. Also found in cold bogs.
Associates
Asclepias incarnata, Campanula aparinoides, Eupatorium maculatum, Gentiana procera, Lobelia kalmii, Lythrum alatum, Parnassia glauca
Distribution
Quebec south to northern NJ, west to MN, CO, and AK.
Morphology
Perennial from long rhizome usually less than 2 mm thick; stems 15-100 cm. Stem leaves somewhat petiolate, scabrous, narrowly linear (rush-like), mostly less than 6 mm wide Heads few on short peduncles, subcorymbose in diffuse, short, terminal inflorescences; rays white or pale blue, mostly 30 or more, about 10 mm long.
Notes
Flowers August to October
Wetland Indicator: Obligate
The name rush aster refers to the very thin leaves.
References
Gleason, Henry A. and A. Cronquist. 1991. Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada. Second Ed.
The New York Botanical Garden. Bronx, NY
Swink, F. and G. Wilhelm. 1994. Plants of the Chicago Region.
Indiana Academy of Science. The Morton Arboretum. Lisle, Illinois.
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© Michael Hough 2004 |