Symphyotrichum patens

Sympyotrichum patens is a perennial and herbaceous flowering plant usually between 10 and 100 centimeters (1⁄4 and 3+1⁄4 feet) tall.[5] It has a spreading growth form, and the leaves are ovate to oblong and clasp the pubescent stem.[5][6] The flowers are relatively small, less than 3 centimeters (1+1⁄4 inches) in diameter, with light blue to violet ray florets and yellow disk florets. It flowers between August and October.[6]

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  Leaf front
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  Leaf back
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  Inflorescence
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  Involucre
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  Flower heads

The title of a review of the Symphyotrichum patens complex begins with "Another review..." as a nod to the complexity of the topic.[3] The species was first formally described and named Aster patens by Swedish botanist Jonas Carlsson Dryander and published by Scottish botanist William Aiton in 1789.[7] It was transferred to the genus Symphyotrichum in 1995 by American botanist Guy L. Nesom.[8] It is closely related to Symphyotrichum georgianum and Symphyotrichum phlogifolium.[3]

Several varieties have been named, with the basionym as Symphyotrichum patens var. patens:

• Symphyotrichum patens var. gracile (Hook.) G.L.Nesom[2]
• Symphyotrichum patens var. patentissimum (Lindl.) G.L.Nesom[2]
• Symphyotrichum patens var. terranigrum J.J.N.Campb. & W.R.Seymour[3]

A widely distributed species, S. patens ranges from southern Maine, south and west to eastern Texas.[4] Plants are typically found in sunny to mostly sunny sites, including open woodlands.[9]

As of July 2021, NatureServe listed Symphyotrichum patens as Secure (G5) worldwide and Possibly Extirpated (SX) in Maine.[1]