Symphyotrichum greatae
Greata's aster
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Symphyotrichum greatae (Greata's aster) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by restricted range and large stature with leafy inflorescence.
Greata's aster is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in the southern Gabilan Range on the southern slope in damp canyon places at elevations of 300 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from August to October, this plant produces pale violet ray flowers 8 to 15 millimeters long in open, leafy clusters. Growing with ascending to erect stems 50 to 120 centimeters tall that are sparsely hairy, it emerges from a long rhizome. Its leaves range from 6 to 15 centimeters long, elliptic to obovate in shape, with edges that are entire to slightly serrate and covered in fine hairs. The fruits are also notably hairy, adding texture to this distinctive canyon-dwelling aster.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 5 sympatric species; restricted range and large stature with leafy inflorescence
Habitat and range
Habitat: Damp places in canyons
Elevation: 300-2000 m
California counties: Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Ventura
Bloom period
Symphyotrichum greatae blooms Aug-Oct.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Corethrogyne: Corethrogyne has distinctive brown/reddish pappus; Symphyotrichum has white pappus; vs Erigeron: Erigeron has 50+ very thin rays per head; Symphyotrichum has fewer wider rays; vs Eurybia: Eurybia has two-toned bracts (green tips, white bases); Symphyotrichum bracts are all green; vs Aster: Aster is the old name for Symphyotrichum - they're the same plants; vs Dieteria: Dieteria has spinulose-tipped bracts; Symphyotrichum bracts lack spiny tips
Frequently asked questions
Is Symphyotrichum greatae native to California?
Yes. Symphyotrichum greatae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Symphyotrichum greatae bloom?
Symphyotrichum greatae blooms Aug-Oct.
Where in California does Symphyotrichum greatae grow?
Symphyotrichum greatae occurs in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Ventura, at elevations of 300-2000 m.
What plant family does Symphyotrichum greatae belong to?
Symphyotrichum greatae is in the Asteraceae family, genus Symphyotrichum.
Is Symphyotrichum greatae rare or endangered?
Symphyotrichum greatae carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Symphyotrichum hendersonii — Henderson's aster
- Symphyotrichum lanceolatum var. hesperium — Western lance leaf aster
- Symphyotrichum lentum — Suisun marsh aster
- Symphyotrichum occidentale — Western mountain aster
- Symphyotrichum occidentale var. intermedius — Larger western mountain aster
- Symphyotrichum occidentale var. occidentale
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · 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.