Asteraceae

Aster alpigenus var. alpigenus

Alpine Aster

Stems erect to decumbent from single taproot. Leaves in basal rosette, linear to lance-shaped, 1–6 in. long, without petioles, woolly when young, becoming shiny with age; stem leaves small, sparse. Flower stem to 12 in. with solitary 1 in. flower head. Flower head with cup, bracts lance-shaped, green often tinted purple, 10–40 blue-purple to pink ray flowers surrounding yellow disk. Grows in damp meadows at mid to high elevations in Olympic, Cascade, and Wallowa mountains.

• Rarity: Locally Common
• Flowering Time: Mid Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 4--12 inches
• Habitat: Subalpine, Meadow, Alpine
• Found In: Olympic Np, Mt. Rainier Np, N Cascades Np, Wallowas, West Gorge
• Native: Yes