Symphyotrichum tenuifolium
perennial saltmarsh aster, saltmash aster
Family
Asteraceae
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Attachment
sessile
Leaf Margin
entire
Leaf Type
simple
Leaf Shape
linear, elliptic
Growth Form
forb
Flower Color
blue, white
Flower Petals
many
Flower Month
June - November
Height (meters)
0.3 - 1.2
Milky Sap
No
Armed/Unarmed
Unarmed
Origin
native
Lifespan
perennial
Wetland Class
OBL
Wetland Coefficient of Conservatism
5
Field Characters
Blue rays (sometimes white). Linear leaf 20x long as wide. Zig-zag stems. No leaves in flowering branches, leaves 1-1.5" long.
Animal Use
Serves as a special value to native bees.
Habitat
Salt or brackish marshes.