Seal Rock State Park, Oregon Central Coast

28. Douglas's Aster

Aster subspicatus - Locally common, all summer, perennial, 1-4 ft. Cluster of erect leafy stems from spreading roots. Stems with many hairy leaves. Leaves toothed; lower leaves lance-shaped, without petiole but do not clasp stem. Flowers few to many, held in cyme. Flower cup of overlapping bracts, the outer bracts with paper-like margins and light yellow to reddish brown base; ray flowers purple or blue, about 1/2-1 in. long. Grows on beaches, along streams, disturbed areas, other open moist sites, at low elevations. Native. We found these pretty flowers growing at Seal Rock Park on our visit on September 2007.