Pacific Aster

Symphyotrichum chilense is a rhizomatous, perennial, herbaceous plant growing to heights between 40 and 120 centimeters (1+1⁄4 and 4 feet). The sparsely hairy leaves are narrowly oval-shaped, pointed, and sometimes finely serrated along the edges. The inflorescence holds flower heads that open June–October with centers of 35–60+ yellow disk florets surrounded by 15–40 narrow violet ray florets. The fruit is a seed, specifically a rounded, hairy cypsela with pappi.

Pacific aster is native to west coast provinces and states of North America in British Columbia; California, including Southern California and the Channel Islands; Oregon; and, Washington. Despite its scientific name, it does not occur in Chile. It can be found in coastal habitats including salt marshes, ocean dunes and banks, grasslands, and coniferous forests, at elevations of 0–500 meters (0–1,600 feet).