Symphyotrichum subulatum var. elongatum
Eastern annual saltmarsh aster
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Annual · Not Native
Symphyotrichum subulatum var. elongatum (Eastern annual saltmarsh aster) is a non-native California annual in the Asteraceae family, recognized by coiled dried rays and tall annual habit distinctive.
Eastern annual saltmarsh aster is a naturalized annual found in southern coastal California in wet places at elevations below 50 meters. Flowering from August to October, this plant produces delicate pink to lavender ray flowers with corollas 2.5 to 3.5 millimeters long that dry in distinctive 2 to 3 coils. Growing with stems 30 to 200 centimeters tall, it spreads widely in marshy environments. Its slender, narrow leaves complement the plant's sprawling growth habit. The numerous ray flowers create a soft, airy appearance in late summer and early autumn wetland settings.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; coiled dried rays and tall annual habit distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Wet places
Elevation: < 50 m
Outside California: Baja California, native to southeastern United States, West Indies
Bloom period
Symphyotrichum subulatum var. elongatum blooms Aug-Oct.
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 subulatum var. elongatum native to California?
No. Symphyotrichum subulatum var. elongatum is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Symphyotrichum subulatum var. elongatum bloom?
Symphyotrichum subulatum var. elongatum blooms Aug-Oct.
What plant family does Symphyotrichum subulatum var. elongatum belong to?
Symphyotrichum subulatum var. elongatum is in the Asteraceae family, genus Symphyotrichum.
What habitat does Symphyotrichum subulatum var. elongatum grow in?
Symphyotrichum subulatum var. elongatum grows in Wet places.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Symphyotrichum subulatum var. parviflorum — Eastern annual saltmarsh aster
- Symphyotrichum subulatum var. squamatum — Eastern annual saltmarsh aster
- Symphyotrichum ascendens — Western aster
- Symphyotrichum bracteolatum — Eaton's aster
- Symphyotrichum campestre — Western meadow aster
- Symphyotrichum chilense — California aster
- Syntrichopappus fremontii — Fremont's syntrichopappus
- Syntrichopappus lemmonii — Lemmon's syntrichopappus
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-06
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.