Oreostemma elatum
Tall alpine-aster, Tall Alpine-Aster
(c) DeanWmTaylor, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Oreostemma elatum (Tall alpine-aster) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family.
Tall alpine-aster is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in northern Sierra Nevada Mountains in peatlands, marshy areas, wet meadows, and montane forest at elevations of 1,000 to 1,500 meters. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces white ray flowers with corollas 7 to 12 millimeters long, surrounded by distinctive hardened phyllaries in creamy straw-colored tones. Growing with erect, glandless stems 35 to 70 centimeters tall, it develops an upright and elegant form in alpine and montane environments. Its leaves are oblanceolate, creating a delicate texture along the stems and contributing to the plant's graceful appearance. The flower heads feature strongly hardened phyllaries with intricate three-veined structure that divides each phyllary into four distinct bands.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Co-occurs with 2 species; height is the most obvious differentiator
Habitat and range
Habitat: Peatlands, marshy areas, wet meadows, montane forest
Elevation: 1000-1500 m
Bloom period
Oreostemma elatum blooms Jul-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Erigeron: Oreostemma has mostly basal leaves on nearly leafless stems; Erigeron typically has leaves along stem.; vs Symphyotrichum: Oreostemma has solitary heads and basal leaves; Symphyotrichum has clustered heads and stem leaves.; vs Aster: Oreostemma has solitary heads with basal leaves; Aster typically branched with stem leaves.; vs Syntrichopappus: Oreostemma smooth to slightly hairy; Syntrichopappus densely woolly overall.
Frequently asked questions
Is Oreostemma elatum native to California?
Yes. Oreostemma elatum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Oreostemma elatum bloom?
Oreostemma elatum blooms Jul-Aug.
What plant family does Oreostemma elatum belong to?
Oreostemma elatum is in the Asteraceae family, genus Oreostemma.
Is Oreostemma elatum rare or endangered?
Oreostemma elatum carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Oreostemma elatum grow in?
Oreostemma elatum grows in Peatlands, marshy areas, wet meadows, montane forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.