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Symphyotrichum ciliatum
Symphyotrichum ciliatum (Ledeb.) G.L. Nesom
Rayless Alkali Aster, Alkali American-aster, Rayless Aster
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
Synonym(s): Aster brachyactis, Brachyactis angusta, Brachyactis ciliata, Brachyactis ciliata ssp. angusta, Tripolium angustum
USDA Symbol: SYCI2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)
The 6-28 in. stem of this annual may or may not be branched. Leaves are nearly linear, from 1-5 in. long; the lower falling off soon in the season. Flowers are numerous in an open spike-like cluster. Ray flower (petals) are usually not present. The disc flowers are followed by a soft seed head.
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Plant Characteristics
Duration: AnnualHabit: Herb
Size Notes: Up to about 28 inches tall.
Fruit: Fruit is a cypsela (pl. cypselae). Though technically incorrect, the fruit is often referred to as an achene.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , PinkBloom Time: Aug , Sep , Oct
Bloom Notes: White, aging to pink.
Distribution
USA: CO , IA , ID , IL , IN , KS , ME , MI , MN , MO , MT , ND , NE , NY , OH , OK , PA , SD , UT , WA , WI , WYCanada: AB , BC , NB , NT , NU , ON , QC , SK , YT
Native Distribution: B.C. to Man. & MN, s. to n. WA, CO & MO
Native Habitat: Moist, saline, sandy soil along streams; swamps
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist, saline, sandy soils.
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACU | FACW | FAC | FACW | FAC | FAC | FACW |
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Symphyotrichum ciliatum in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Symphyotrichum ciliatum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Symphyotrichum ciliatum
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-01-19Research By: TWC Staff