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Symphyotrichum adnatum

Symphyotrichum adnatum

Apparently Secure  (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Tribe: Astereae
Subtribe: Symphyotrichinae
Genus: Symphyotrichum
Subgenus: Symphyotrichum subg. Virgulus
Section: Symphyotrichum sect. Patentes
Species:
S. adnatum
Binomial name
Symphyotrichum adnatum
Symphyotrichum adnatum distribution map: Bahamas and US (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi).
Native distribution[2]
Synonyms[2]

Symphyotrichum adnatum (formerly Aster adnatus) is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae native to the southeastern United States and the Bahamas. It is a perennial, herbaceous plant that may reach 30 to 120 centimeters (1 to 4 feet) tall with flowers that have lavender ray florets and yellow disk florets. The common name scaleleaf aster has been used for this species.

Description

Symphyotrichum adnatum is a perennial, herbaceous, cespitose flowering plant that may reach heights between 30 and 120 centimeters (1 and 4 feet). Each plant has five or more brown hairy stems that can grow erect or sprawling. The stems have thick and firm yellow-green leaves with smooth margins. It blooms from October into December with flowers that have 10–20 dark lavender ray florets and 12–25 yellow disk florets.[3]

Taxonomy

The species' basionym (original scientific name) is Aster adnatus Nutt., and it has three other taxonomic synonyms. Its name with author citations is Symphyotrichum adnatus (Nutt.) G.L.Nesom,[2] and a common name scaleleaf aster has been used for it.[3] Within family Asteraceae, tribe Astereae, it is a member of the genus Symphyotrichum and subgenus Virgulus, placed in section Patentes,[4] subsection Brachyphylli, where it exists with its sister species S. walteri.[5]

Placement within Symphyotrichum subg. virgulus


Distribution and habitat

S. adnatum is native to the Bahamas and the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi.[2] It grows at elevations up to 100 meters (330 feet) in scrubland and woodland with sandy soils.[3]

Conservation

As of October 2024, NatureServe listed Symphyotrichum adnatum as Apparently Secure (G4) worldwide. The status was last reviewed 2 May 1988.[1]

Citations

References