Question: Found this "aster" along the edge of disturbed area, very dry near parking area, in Newburyport. Photo of one of …
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Question
Found this "aster" along the edge of disturbed area, very dry near parking area, in Newburyport. Photo of one of many flowering stems, flower just over 1/2 inch Please help identify. Thank you.
Answer
Dear alanbandsarahsw, in order to identify your American-aster (genus Symphyotrichum), I would need some additional images, especially of the involucre (the series of greenish bracts found on each flower head that are positioned just below the ray flowers). As well, a measurement of the height of the involucre is also needed (measuring from the bottom on the lowest bract to the tip of the tallest bract). The plant looks like Symphyotrichum racemosum (small white American-aster), but it could be other species. Feel free to mail images and information to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org if you want to discuss this plant further.
