Laguna Mountains Aster
(Machaeranthera asteroides var. lagunensis )
Asteraceae

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Description: Perennial herb. Several light gray stems minutely covered with short soft hairs, 1.3 - 2.3 feet high (4-7dm). Leaves linear to oblong with smooth edges, or very slightly toothed or spiny, about 3/8 inches (8cm) long. Flower heads several to many, but singularly at tips of branches. Contains 13-30 deep lavender petals, 3/8 - 5/8 inches (10-17mm) long. Fruit is a downy achene, which is flattened laterally.

Distribution:

Habitat: Dry slopes at 2600 - 7000 feet. Yellow pine forest. Cismontane woodland and lower montane coniferous forest.

Flowering Period: Blooms July - August.

Similar Plants: Machaeranthera canescens

Status: California State Rare, California Native Plant Society List 2