Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Eucephalus engelmannii is a North American species in the aster fammily known by the common name Engelmann's aster. It is native to the United States and Canada from Alberta and British Columbia to far northern California and Colorado. Eucephalus engelmannii grows in mountain woods and meadows. It is a perennial herb growing from a woody caudex and sending a slender, branching, hairy stem to a maximum height near 1. 5 meters (5 feet). The mostly hairless leaves are generally oval and up to 10 centimeters (4 inches) long, with the lowest ones much reduced. The inflorescence holds several flower heads lined in keeled, pointed, hairy-edged phyllaries with purplish margins at the tips. Each head has 8-13 white to pinkish or light violet ray florets each up to 2 centimeters long, surrounding yellow disc florets. The fruit is a hairy achene.

Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

3 - 6 ft Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Moderate

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Color

White, Purple

Flowering season

Summer

Sun

Full Sun

Soil description

Prefers loamy or clay soils. Grows poorly in sandy soils.

Site type

Meadows and open places

Bees
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

1 confirmed and 1 likely

Confirmed Likely