Symphyotrichum urophyllum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Symphyotrichum urophyllum |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Symphyotrichum
|
| Species: |
urophyllum
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
Symphyotrichum urophyllum (syn. Aster urophyllus) is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae native to eastern North America, commonly known as arrowleaf aster.
Description
Symphyotrichum urophyllum is a perennial herbaceous species between 40 to 120 cm tall. Plants are cespitose, with 1-5 erect stems emerging from the same point. The broad, thin, toothed leaves are arrow-shaped, with a broadly winged petiole. The dense, pyramidal inflorescence of composite flowers is distinctive. The ray florets are white and the disc florets are white to cream becoming pink.
Taxonomy
Symphyotrichum urophyllum was formerly included in the large genus Aster as Aster urophyllus. However, this broad circumscription of Aster is polyphyletic and the North American asters are now mostly classified in Symphyotrichum and several other genera.
The taxonomic status of this species has been unstable, and it has been treated as Symphyotrichum sagittifolium, a name now considered to be synonymous with Symphyotrichum cordifolium. Most sources now use S. urophyllum to refer to this species.
Distribution and habitat
Symphyotrichum urophyllum is native to the United States from Maine to Florida and west to Nebraska, and to Ontario, Canada. It is found in open, dry to mesic habitats such as meadows, open woodland, bluffs, forest edges and roadsides.
