Common name(s): Pacific Aster, California Aster

Family: Asteraceae - Sunflower family

Species: Symphyotrichum chilense

Commonly found: Along the coast and in coastal mountain ranges.

Size: Grows to between 1 and 3 feet tall.

Origin: Non-invasive. Native to Western North America. Within California, Pacific Aster is most common in the Central Coast.

Description: The leaves of the plant are oval-shaped, pointed, and hairy. Flowers have yellow disc florets in the center surrounded by numerous narrow light purple ray florets. The flower typically blooms in July or August.