About Eucephalus ledophyllus (A.Gray) Greene
Eucephalus ledophyllus (A.Gray) Greene is a North American flowering plant species in the Asteraceae family, commonly called Cascade aster. It is native to Washington, Oregon, and northern California in the United States, growing primarily in the Cascade Mountains. Several populations of this species are located within protected U.S. national parks and monuments, including Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. This species is a perennial herb that grows up to 80 cm (32 inches) tall, and it produces a large woody caudex. A single plant typically bears 3 to 20 flower heads arranged in a prominent, showy cluster. Each flower head holds 5 to 21 purple ray florets, which surround a center of many yellow disc florets. Two varieties of Eucephalus ledophyllus are recognized. Eucephalus ledophyllus var. covillei (Greene) G.L.Nesom grows in Oregon and California, and it has non-cottony flower stalks. Eucephalus ledophyllus var. ledophyllus grows in Washington and Oregon, and it has cottony flower stalks.
