Phil Bendle Collection:Symphyotrichum subulatum (Sea aster)

Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Astereae
Genus: Symphyotrichum
Species: S. subulatum
Binomial name: Symphyotrichum subulatum
Synonyms: Aster subulatus
Common names: Sea aster, Bushy starwort, Wild Aster, Aster, annual saltmarsh aster, Aster weed, Aster-weed, Bushy starwort, Eastern annual saltmarsh aster, Saltmarsh aster, Slender aster, Slim aster, Small saltmarsh aster

Symphyotrichum subulatum is an annual plant native to large parts of North America and South America. It is regarded as an environmental weed in many countries including New Zealand where it is common in Auckland, Hawkes Bay and other warm coastal regions of the North Island. In the South Island, it is found in the Picton and Blenheim areas. Its habitats are the margins of wetlands, coastal areas and dry habitats that include roadsides, wasteland and open grassland.

Symphyotrichum subulatum is a tall, spindly, straight-stemmed almost hairless annual or short-lived perennial, Tap-rooted herb that can grow up to 2 m tall. The erect stems are usually hairless and become woody after flowering. 
Small white or pale purple flowers are produced all year-round on a many-branched flower stalk. The seeds are wind dispersed or by soil contamination.

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Thanks to Wikipedia for text and information: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

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