John C. Semple WAT

Symphyotrichum subsect. Occidentales

Foliacei Asters

Symphyotrichum subsect. Occidentales (syn: Aster subsect. Foliacei) includes 11 species of x=8 asters native to western North America. The Foliacei asters usually have phyllaries that often are spreading to reflexed and have a somewhat to considerably enlarged and foliaceus (leafy) apex. The leaves also usually more or less clasp the stem. The Foliacei asters were thought to be closely related to the Symphyotrichum/Puncei asters of eastern North America but this is not supported by molecular studies.

Western North American Foliacei Species

Symphyotrichum chilense; habit, northern coast of California
Symphyotrichum eatonii (Aster bracteolatus); habit, Idaho
Symphyotrichum foliaceum; habit; heads (white rayed form)
Symphyotrichum greatae
Symphyotrichum hallii
Symphyotrichum hendersonii
Symphotrichum jessicae; habit, heads, Pullman Washington
Symphyotrichum lentum
Symphotrichum molle
Symphyotrichum spathulatum; head
Symphyotrichum subspicatum; capitulescence, Oregon