Bushy Aster

 

Bushy Aster (Symphyotrichum dumosum), in its rich prairie habitat at Castalia Prairie, Erie County, Ohio. I visited here on September 29 and was pleased to renew acquaintance with this rare (in Ohio) aster. It had been a number of years since I last saw this species.

A luxuriant Bushy Aster specimen, living up to its name. This is primarily a coastal plain species, generally becoming far scarcer inland. It is listed as threatened in Ohio and has only been recorded in seven counties. It's certainly no longer present at all of its historical sites, as much of its habitat has been lost.