Symphyotrichum subulatum
(Michx.) G.L.Nesom Aster-weedErect, glabrous, annual or short-lived perennial, to c. 1.5 m high; usually unbranched below the flowering part. Leaves alternate, initially more or less rosetted, mostly lanceolate to oblong (sometimes obovate to oblanceolate), 1–12 cm long, 2–16 mm wide; bases somewhate stem-clasping; margin entire, serrulate or weakly dentate. Inflorescence paniculate; capitula c. campanulate, 4–7 mm long, spreading widely at maturity; involucral bracts unequal, in 2–4 irregular series, oblong, acute, green with pale or purplish membranous margins; ligulate florets in 1–3 series, barely exceeding involucre, whitish to mauve, more numerous than tubular florets. Cypselas oblong, 1.5–2.5 mm long, 4- or 5-nerved, often slightly flattened, shortly appressed-pubescent; pappus bristles in 1 series, 3.5–5 mm long. Flowers mostly Nov.–Apr.
LoM, MuM, Wim, GleP, Brid, VVP, VRiv, MSB, RobP, MuF, GipP, OtP, WaP, Gold, CVU, GGr, DunT, NIS, EGL, EGU, WPro, HSF, HNF, OtR, Strz, HFE, VAlp. Also naturalised NT, Qld, NSW, LHI, NI, ACT, Tas. Native to North America. Common weed of waste areas, roadsides, damp depressions, lake beds etc., commonly invading native plant communities, particularly in seasonally wet areas (fresh or brackish water).
Spinning
