Flower ID: IMG_1298.JPG-10-02-2018 Flower name (scientific): Symphyotrichum ericoides (Linnaeus) G. L. Nesom PY: 1995. Pronunciation guide: (phonetic spelling) sim-fy-oh-TRY-kum (or sim-fy-oh-TREE-kum or sim-fe-o-TRIK-um) er-ik-OY-dees Flower name (common): Heath Aster Family name (common): Aster Family name (scientific): Asteraceae Scientific name origin: Genus: From the Greek symphysis for junction or growing together, and trichos for hair. The structural reference is uncertain, possibly alluding to a perceived basal connation of bristles in the type specimen. Specific epithet: Of heaths, heath-like. Common name origin: For the typical habitat. Aster from the Greek for star, for the showy radiated flowers. Flower description: Size: 0.3 to 1.0 inches (0.8 to 2.5 cm) Petal count: 23, ray florets 8 to 20, disc florets 6 to 20. Color: white Other: flower arrangement, Panicle Plant description: Size: 6 to 36 inches (15 to 91 cm) Stem hairy: Other: Leaf description: attachment is basal and alternate, type is simple Size: Basal leaves up to 5 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. Proximal cauline leaves up to 4 to 6 cm long and 4 to 7 mm wide. Upper stem leaves up to 4 cm long and up to 3.5 mm wide. Color: Hairy: Other: Shape: leaf, (basal) oblanceolate to oblong or spatulate, (proximal cauline) linear to lanceolate or oblong, (distal) oblong-ovate (FNA) Origin (native, introduced, invasive): Native Status (common, uncommon, threatened, rare): Common Bloom time (typical): August to October Cycle (annual, biennial, perennial): Perennial Habitat: Woods, prairies, meadows, savannas, bluffs, disturbed areas, roadsides, sun or semi-shade, dry to mesic. Fruit: Seed: Importance to wildlife: Similar species (if any): S. drummondii (Drummond's Aster), S. falcatum (Western Heath Aster, White Prairie Aster), S. firmum (Smooth Swamp Aster), S. lanceolatum (Panicled Aster), and S. subulatum (Saltmarsh Aster) can resemble Symphyotrichum ericoides. For a guide to sorting out the Symphyotrichum species click here. For some further tabulated data that may aid in sorting out the Symphyotrichum species click here. Ethnobotany: Latitude: 44.798025 Longitude: -91.482167 Altitude: 241.80 Distribution: In Wisconsin: (Adams, Barron, Brown, Buffalo, Calumet, Chippewa, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Door, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Fond du Lac, Grant, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, Kewaunee, La Crosse, Lafayette, Lincoln, Manitowoc, Marathon, Marinette, Marquette, Milwaukee, Monroe, Oconto, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Racine, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Sheboygan, St. Croix, Trempealeau, Vernon, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago, Wood) Click here for distribution map In US: (AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DE, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY) Click here for distribution map In Canada: (AB, BC, MB, NT, ON, QC, SK) Click here for distribution map References: Synonym(s): Basionym: Aster ericoides Linnaeus Sp. Pl. 2: 875 (1753). Homotypic Synonym(s): Heterotypic Synonym(s): Autonym:Symphyotrichum ericoides var. ericoides (The other infraspecific is Symphyotrichum ericoides var. pansum (S. F. Blake) G. L. Nesom which is reported from numerous US states and most of Canada.) Wetland Status (NC): FACU Wetland Status (MW): FACU