About Eurybia compacta G.L.Nesom
Eurybia compacta G.L.Nesom, commonly known as the slender aster, is an herbaceous perennial plant native to the eastern United States, ranging from New Jersey to Georgia. It grows most commonly along the coastal plain in dry sandy soils, particularly in pinelands. While it is not at high risk of extinction, it is a species of conservation concern, and has likely been extirpated from most of its original historical range. For a long time, this species was classified as a variety of Eurybia surculosa. However, recent research on the genus Eurybia conducted by Guy Nesom demonstrated that it is distinct enough to be recognized as a separate species. It is also closely related to Eurybia avita and Eurybia paludosa. Eurybia compacta is a perennial that grows up to 70 cm (28 inches) tall, and its stems become woody as the plant ages. Flowering occurs from midsummer to early autumn, and plants can produce up to 55 flower heads arranged in a flat-topped cluster. Each flower head holds 5 to 14 pale blue, light violet, or reddish purple ray florets, which surround 10 to 20 pale yellow disc florets.
