Symphyotrichum oblongifolium

Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (formerly Aster oblongifolius), commonly known as aromatic aster^[4] or oblong-leaved aster,^[3] is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae and is native to parts of the eastern and central United States. It is an uncommon herbaceous perennial^[5] that reaches heights of 10–80 centimeters (4–31 inches) and blooms August–November with many flower heads in various shades of purple.^[3]

Symphyotrichum oblongifolium
Conservation status
Secure  (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Asterales
Family:	Asteraceae
Tribe:	Astereae
Subtribe:	Symphyotrichinae
Genus:	Symphyotrichum
Subgenus:	Symphyotrichum subg. Virgulus
Section:	Symphyotrichum sect. Grandiflori
Species:	S. oblongifolium
Binomial name
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (Nutt.) G.L.Nesom[2]
Native distribution[3]
Synonyms[2]
Basionym Aster oblongifolius Nutt. Alphabetical list Aster graveolens Nutt. Aster kumleini Fr. ex A.Gray Aster kumleinii Fr. ex Burgess Aster kumleinii var. oliganthemos Lunell Aster kumleinii f. roseoligulatus Benke Aster multiceps Lindl. Aster oblongifolius f. albaligulatus Magrath Aster oblongifolius var. angustatus Shinners Aster oblongifolius var. orientis Shinners Aster oblongifolius var. rigidulus A.Gray Aster oblongifolius f. roseoligulatus (Benke) Shinners Aster oblongifolius f. roseus Shinners Lasallea oblongifolia (Nutt.) Semple & Brouillet Virgulus oblongifolius (Nutt.) Reveal & Keener Virgulus oblongifolius var. angustatus (Shinners) Reveal & Keener

Description

Aromatic aster is a perennial, herbaceous flowering plant that reaches heights of 10–80 centimeters (4–31 inches) on one to ten or more stems growing from a sturdy caudex. It blooms August–November with many flower heads in various shades of purple.

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Distribution and habitat

Aromatic aster is found in parts of Kansas,^[6] Ohio, northern Illinois, hilly parts of southern Illinois, and on the banks of the Mississippi River and Illinois River,^[7] as well as other parts of the central United States. It is found in Missouri, along the Ohio River,^[4] and from Pennsylvania to Nebraska to Minnesota to Virginia.^[8]

Conservation

As of July 2021^[update], NatureServe listed Symphyotrichum oblongifolium as Secure (G5) worldwide; Critically Imperiled (S1) in Colorado and North Carolina; Imperiled (S2) in Wyoming; and, Vulnerable (S3) in Indiana and Ohio.^[1]

Popular culture

In recognition of the aster flowers common to North Carolina, a Storyliving by Disney community located near Pittsboro, North Carolina, was named Asteria.^[9]