Symphyotrichum chilense

Symphyotrichum chilense

Nectary

Symphyotrichum chilense (common name: California aster) is a forb native to North America although it was originally mistakenly as a native to Chile when it was assigned its species name.

Formerly Aster chilensis, this flower, along with 180 others, was moved into a more appropriate genus to better divided American and European plants. The flower is a host plant to checkerspot and crescent butterflies and provides a critical pollen source for bees active in late fall, including new bumble bee queens needing to build their energy reserves before winter. Narrow, light-purple florets emanate from yellow discs and deep fibrous roots help stabilize soil.

The plant is facultative; equally likely to occur in wetlands and non-wetlands alike.

Links

• Symphyotrichum chilense - USDA Plant Profile