Fauna
Flower · GBIF taxon 3151787

Wavy-leaf Aster

Symphyotrichum undulatum

Also known as Wavyleaf Aster, Clasping Aster, Wave-leaved Aster

Wavy-leaf aster thrives along dry woodland borders and rocky clearings across eastern North America, lighting up forest understories with pale blue to lavender blossoms late into autumn. Its distinctive foliage features clasping, winged petioles with undulating margins that easily distinguish it from other woodland asters. The abundant flower heads supply a critical late-season nectar reserve for bumblebees and migrating butterflies preparing for winter.

Native WildflowerLate BloomerPollinator Magnet
Wavy-leaf Aster reference
Licensed reference(c) Matt Pelikan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Pelikan · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic (photosynthetic)
Predators
  • White-tailed deer
  • Eastern cottontail
  • Aster leafminer
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, competition from invasive plants, and fire suppression causing dense canopy closure
HabitatsDry open woods, forest edges, rocky clearings, and thickets
Life spanPerennial (indefinite via rhizomes)
Classification
  1. OrderAsterales
  2. FamilyAsteraceae
  3. GenusSymphyotrichum
  4. SpeciesSymphyotrichum undulatum
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
  • Leaf Inspection: Check the middle and upper stem leaves for flared, winged bases that wrap clasp-like around the stem.
  • Bloom Timing: Search dry woodland paths from late August through October when the blossoms peak alongside ripening foliage.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…