Symphyotrichum frondosum (formerly Aster frondosus) is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae native to western North America. Commonly known as short-rayed alkali aster, it is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant that may reach tall. Description Symphyotrichum frondosum is an annual or occasionally perennial herbaceous, flowering plant growing a leaning or erect stem to a maximum height of . The leaves are a few centimeters long and oval in shape with rounded tips. The stem and leaves are mostly hairless. The inflorescence is a small array of flower heads containing many short pale pink or lavender ray florets and yellow disc florets. The fruit is a hairy cypsela with white to yellow-tinted pappi. Distribution and habitat It is native to North America in the west from British Columbia, south to Baja California (Mexico), east to New Mexico, and north to Wyoming and Idaho. Symphyotrichum frondosum grows in wet habitats such as marshes and meadows, especially in alkaline or saline conditions. Citations References External links frondosum Halophytes Flora of the Western United States Flora of British Columbia Flora of California Flora of New Mexico Flora of the Sierra Nevada (United States) Flora of the Rocky Mountains Plants used in traditional Native American medicine Plants described in 1840 Taxa named by Thomas Nuttall