Sericocarpus rigidus

Family: Asteraceae

English Name: White-top aster. Columbian white-top Aster, Curtus's Aster.

Other Name

Aster Curtus

Description:

General: Nearly glabrous perennial from slender, creeping rhizomes, the stem 1-3 dm. tall, usually simple and unbranched up to the inflorescence.

Leaves: Lowermost leaves reduced and early-deciduous, the largest ones a little above the base. 2.5-3.5 cm. Long and 5-9 mm. wide, oblanceolate, sessile; those leaves above numerous and gradually reduced; often scabrous on the midrib beneath, and with stiff, short hairs on the margins.

Flowers: Heads in a close terminal cluster; involucre 7-9 mm. high, narrow, the bracts imbricate, white and papery below with a light green herbaceous tip; rays usually 2, shorter than the capillary pappus, 1-3 mm. long, white; disk flowers 9-21, pale yellowish, with purple anthers.

Fruit: Achene.

Geographic Range and Habitat Requirements

Distribution

West of the cascades from southern Vancouver Island, BC, to southwest Oregon, but chiefly in Washington.

Ecological Setting

Prairies, Forest edges, Meadows, and open areas at low elevations.

Soil Texture

Most commonly found on glacial outwash soils, but also occurs on clayey soils and bedrock. When germinating, use a 35-35-25-5 potting mix (sand, compost, pertile or vermiculite, and pumice).

Moisture Regime

Dry soil- Able to tolerate drought conditions during summer months.

Shade Tolerance

Partial to full shade- shade tolerant.

Sericocarpus rigidus