This is native to south-central states and Mexico, but generally considered adventive in more eastern states (W). It is a diploid (2n = 10) member of the complex based on S. subulatum Michx., which in its strict sense is largely restricted to salt-marshes along the Atlantic shores. The only Ky. records of divaricatum are recent colls. from wet fields in FULT (EKY; Clark et al. 2005) and BALL (BEREA; Thompson & Thompson 2016). Distinction of divaricatum (or others in subgenus Astropolum) from other common old field asters may be difficult based on published keys (FNA 20, W). Subgenus Astropolum is annual (as in divaricatum) or perennial (versus mostly perennial in other subgenera); stems are glabrous (versus usually pubescent); stem leaves are fleshy, entire and linear (versus not fleshy, usually toothed and linear or broader).