FNPS Plant Database

Symphyotrichum adnatum

scaleleaf aster, clasping aster
  • Photo by: Roger Hammer, Dade Chapter FNPS
  • Photo by: Roger Hammer, Dade Chapter FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

scaleleaf aster, clasping aster

Synonym(s):

Aster adnatus

Genus species:

Symphyotrichum adnatum

Family:

Asteraceae (Compositae)

Plant Specifics

Form:

Flower

Size:

1.–2.5 ft

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

white, pink, blue, lavender

Fruit Color:

white

Phenology:

Winter dormant. Blooms in fall

Noted For:

Showy Flowers

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Wildflower garden, meadow.

Considerations:

Availability:

Seed

Propagation:

Seed.

Light:

Full Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded---------------------------------Extremely Dry

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Not wet but not extremely dry -to- Somewhat long very dry periods

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Some tolerance to salty wind but not direct salt spray

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand

Soil pH:

Adaptable

Suitable to Grow In:

8A,8B,9A,9B,10A,10B

USDA zones are based on the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature.

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Vouchered In:

Distribution
Vouchered
Not vouchered
Selected
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No county distribution is available for this plant yet.
Starting…
Map coded by Melissa Fernandez-de Cespedes (Paynes Prairie Chapter)

Ecology

Wildlife:

Pollinators, Butterflies

Attracts generalist pollinators.

Native Habitats:

Sandhills, dry flatwoods

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

General Comments:

FNPS Plant Print

Citations:

Gann, G.D., C.J. Abbott, C.G. Stocking, K.N. Hines, and collaborators. (2001+). Clasping Aster, Scaleleaf Aster [in] Natives For Your Neighborhood. ( https://www.regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/plantdetail.asp?tx=Sympadna ). Accessed 2026. The Institute for Regional Conservation. Delray Beach, FL.


Huegel, Craig, N.  2012.  Native wildflowers and other ground covers for Florida landscapes. University Press of Florida, Gainesville, FL.


Osorio, Rufino. (2001). A Gardener's Guide to Florida's Native Plants. University Press of Florida, Gainesville, FL.


Univ. of Georgia Marine Extension Service. Coastscapes - Native Plant Database. ( https://ecoscapes.bugwood.org/plant.cfm?code=SYAD ). Accessed 2026. Marine Extension Service, University of Georgia, Brunswick, GA.


Wunderlin, R. P., B. F. Hansen, A. R. Franck, and F. B. Essig. (1999+). Atlas of Florida Plants. ( https://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/ ). [S. M. Landry and K. N. Campbell (application development), USF Water Institute.] Institute for Systematic Botany, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.

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