About Symphyotrichum subulatum (Michx.) G.L.Nesom
Symphyotrichum subulatum is an annual herbaceous forb that grows a single erect stem, reaching up to 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches) tall. Both its stem and thin green to dark green leaves are hairless. The sheathing leaf base blades are ovulate with entire margins. The upper end of the stem develops into a raceme inflorescence. The flower heads contain bright yellow disc florets, surrounded by ray florets that range in color from white to lavender. This is a terrestrial species that typically grows among all types of grasses. Its known habitats include salt marshes, pond margins, sloughs, swamps, crop field margins, lawns, and roadsides. It is especially common in these habitats due to its tolerance for saline soils and mowing. It is native to the eastern and Gulf Coast regions of the United States, and is also widespread across Mexico, the West Indies, Bermuda, Central America, and South America, with presence varying by variety. According to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, eastern annual saltmarsh aster (Symphyotrichum subulatum) can be planted to attract butterflies, and it is a valuable resource for native bees.
