Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 3151761

Late Purple Aster

Symphyotrichum patens

Also known as Spreading Aster, Clasping Aster

Late purple aster brightens dry woodlands and open fields throughout the autumn with delicate, lavender-blue rays encircling bright yellow central discs. Stems branch widely, producing clasping, ear-lobed leaves that readily distinguish it from closely related aster species. Deep taproots allow it to endure drought and thin soils, providing a critical late-season nectar reserve for migrating butterflies and overwintering queens.

WildflowerPollinator HostAutumn Blooming
Late Purple Aster reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic (photosynthetic)
Predators
  • White-tailed Deer
  • Eastern Cottontail
  • Pearl Crescent Butterfly Caterpillar
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, woody encroachment due to fire suppression, and invasive weeds
HabitatsDry upland woods, glades, pine barrens, prairies, and open roadsides
Life spanPerennial (typically 5–15+ years)
Classification
  1. FamilyAsteraceae
  2. SpeciesSymphyotrichum patens
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Check the leaves: Look for the distinctive auriculate leaf bases that wrap snugly around the hairy stem.
  • Pollinator viewing: Visit sunny patches on warm autumn afternoons to see native solitary bees and migrating butterflies feeding.
Related species
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