Eurybia avita
| Alexander's rock aster | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Tribe: | Astereae |
| Genus: | Eurybia |
| Species: | E. avita |
| Binomial name | |
| Eurybia avita (Alexander) G.L.Nesom | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Aster avitus Alexander | |
Eurybia avita, commonly called Alexander's rock aster, is an herbaceous perennial in the composite family that was formerly treated in the genus Aster. It is native to the southeastern United States where it only occurs in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. It is of conservation concern as it is found in less than 50 sites, typically only in sandy soils near granite flatrocks, and it is most likely already extirpated in North Carolina. Its habitat is threatened by development and the recreational use of the area where it grows. It is very similar to both E. surculosa and E. paludosa and more research needs to be done to determine the exact relationship between the three species. The flowers emerge in the late summer to early fall to show bluish white to deep violet ray florets and yellow disc florets.[2]
Distribution and habitat
Eurybia avita is present only in the U.S. states of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, though it is probably extirpated from the latter state. In South Carolina it is only known from one site in Pickens County, while in Georgia it can be found in 40 to 45 locations. In North Carolina there are currently no known populations. The type location was Stone Mountain, but that population no longer exists. It is typically found between 100 and 500 metre elevations growing in shallow and sandy soils around the edges of granite flatrock outcropings.[1][2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 NatureServe (2006), "Eurybia avita", NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life, Version 6.1., Arlington, Virginia
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Brouillet, Luc (2006), "Eurybia avita", in Flora of North America Editorial Committee, eds. 1993+, Flora of North America 20, New York & Oxford: Oxford University Press, p. 378