Kentucky Plant Atlas




Taxonomic distinction unclear    No county information
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Asteraceae <Astereae> Symphyotrichum <Virgulus> patens var. gracile (A. tenuicaulis)
Symphyotrichum patens (Ait.) Nesom var. gracile (Hook.) Nesom
ALI: no HAB: n/a, n/a, B?, n/a ABU: n/a, n/a, 0
Circumscription of var. gracile is not generally agreed on (J, FNA 20; Nesom 2006). It may be a largely diploid taxon concentrated on the Gulf Coastal Plain, characterized as having smaller mid-cauline leaves (3-5 cm long versus 5-7 cm), usually smaller heads (ca. 7-11 mm wide versus 9-12 mm), and shorter overall height (ca. 40-80 cm versus 80-160 cm). There are reports from w. Tenn. (Cr, FNA 20; but not Ch+), and several colls. from w. Ky. may also be referable to this taxon (e.g. from LOGA, TODD and TRIG at EKY; CALL and CARL at VDB). Older records from se. Ky. need verification (B, F, M).