SafePlants

Alkali Marsh Aster (Almutaster pauciflorus)

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is found in marshes, ravines, and ditches and could potentially be encountered during outdoor excursions with pets.

Considerations for Children

• This plant is found in marshes, ravines, and ditches and could potentially be encountered during outdoor play.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Almutaster pauciflorus
• Common Names: Alkali Marsh Aster, Marsh Alkali Aster, Alkaline Aster, Few-flower Aster, Few-flowered Aster
• Other common names include alkali-marsh aster, alkalimarsh aster, and almutaster.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Asteraceae (Aster Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Genus, Species
• Synonyms: Aster pauciflorus Nutt., Aster hydrophilus Greene ex Woot. & Standl.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to North America, including California.
• Found in damp alkaline places, alluvial soils, inland salt marshes, along streams in ravines, ditches, and desert and dry prairie areas.
• Grows at elevations of 200-2400 meters.
• Also found in brackish marshes along the lower Hudson River.

Ecological Role

• Associated with halophytic vegetation (plants that tolerate saline conditions).
• Found in alkali aster grasslands.

Morphological Characteristics

• Dicot.
• Perennial herb.
• Characterized by purple flowers.

Genetic Information

• The species has a chromosome number of x=9.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Occurs alongside other species in alkali marshes, such as Aster tripolium ssp. pannonicus and Atriplex.

Further Information

• USDA PLANTS Database: Provides information and a PLANTS Symbol for Almutaster pauciflorus.
• ITIS: Integrated Taxonomic Information System - TSN 507576.