Symphyotrichum subulatum var. parviflorum
Eastern annual saltmarsh aster
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Annual · Native
Symphyotrichum subulatum var. parviflorum (Eastern annual saltmarsh aster) is a native California annual in the Asteraceae family, recognized by loose-curling dried rays and annual habit distinctive.
Eastern annual saltmarsh aster is a California native annual found in the Central Valley, Central Western, Southwestern, and Desert Son bioregions in marshes and disturbed places at elevations below 1,200 meters. Flowering from July to October, this plant produces delicate white to pink ray flowers approximately 2 to 3 millimeters long that curl or coil when drying. Growing with slender stems 70 to 150 centimeters tall, it spreads widely in open, moist habitats. Its leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, typical of plants adapted to marshy environments. The compact flower heads feature numerous thin ray flowers that create a soft, wispy appearance characteristic of annual asters.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 12 sympatric species; loose-curling dried rays and annual habit distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Marshes, disturbed places
Elevation: < 1200 m
Outside California: to central and southeastern United States, Mexico, northern South America
Bloom period
Symphyotrichum subulatum var. parviflorum blooms Jul-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. parviflorum native to California?
Yes. Symphyotrichum subulatum var. parviflorum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Symphyotrichum subulatum var. parviflorum bloom?
Symphyotrichum subulatum var. parviflorum blooms Jul-Oct.
What plant family does Symphyotrichum subulatum var. parviflorum belong to?
Symphyotrichum subulatum var. parviflorum is in the Asteraceae family, genus Symphyotrichum.
What habitat does Symphyotrichum subulatum var. parviflorum grow in?
Symphyotrichum subulatum var. parviflorum grows in Marshes, disturbed places.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- 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
- Symphyotrichum defoliatum — San bernardino aster
- Syntrichopappus fremontii — Fremont's syntrichopappus
- Syntrichopappus lemmonii — Lemmon's syntrichopappus
- Syntrichopappus sp.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.