Symphyotrichum defoliatum

Symphyotrichum defoliatum is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae known by the common name San Bernardino aster. It is endemic to Southern California where it grows in grasslands and meadows, and it is of conservation concern.

Description

Symphyotrichum defoliatum is a perennial herbaceous plant growing from a long rhizome to a maximum height of. Leaves are widely lance-shaped to oblong and pointed, the largest ones near the base of the stem reaching up to long. The stem and leaves are roughly hairy. The inflorescence is an array of flower heads with 15–40 pale violet ray florets around a center of golden disk florets. The fruit is a hairy cypsela with a long pappus.

Chromosomes

Symphyotrichum defoliatum is an allopolyploid species likely derived from the backcrossing of S. falcatum with S. ascendens, its hybrid derivative. The backcrossing produced this species with a unique base number of x = 18 and diploid individuals with 2n = 36.

Distribution and habitat

San Bernardino aster is endemic to Southern California, where it is known only from the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains of the Transverse Ranges, and from part of the Peninsular Ranges to the south. It grows in grassland and meadow habitats and in disturbed areas.