Symphyotrichum patens

Symphyotrichum patens, commonly called late purple aster or spreading aster, is a perennial herb in the Asteraceae family native to the eastern and central United States. It grows from a short, woody crown producing one or several erect, wiry, hairy stems 40 to 100 centimetres tall that branch widely in the upper portion. The leaves are alternate, ovate to oblong-lanceolate, with rough, pubescent surfaces and entire margins; characteristically the bases are deeply cordate-clasping, wrapping around the stem and giving the species one of its diagnostic features. Lower leaves often wither by flowering. The inflorescence is an open, spreading panicle of numerous heads, each about 2 to 3 centimetres across, with 15 to 30 violet to deep blue-purple ray florets surrounding a yellow disc that ages to reddish-purple. Phyllaries are arranged in several unequal series with green tips. Flowering occurs from late summer through autumn in dry open woods, prairies and roadsides.