Ionactis alpina (formerly Aster scopulorum; common name Lava Ankle-aster) is a species of aster known by the common name lava aster. It is native to western United States from California to Montana, where it grows in dry areas. Ionactis alpina is a perennial herb growing from a caudex and fibrous root system. It produces a short, mostly erect, hairy stem up to 12 centimeters (4. 8 inches) in height. Most of the small leaves are on the lower part of the stem. They are up to about a centimeter (0. 4 inches) long, oval to lance-shaped and pointed, somewhat stiff and coated in hairs. Ionactis alpina is a perennial herb growing from a caudex and fibrous root system. It produces a short, mostly erect, hairy stem up to 12 centimeters (4. 8 inches) in height. Most of the small leaves are on the lower part of the stem. They are up to about a centimeter (0. 4 inches) long, oval to lance-shaped and pointed, somewhat stiff and coated in hairs. The inflorescence bears solitary flower heads with purple-green phyllaries, 7-21 thin blue, purple, or occasionally white ray florets surrounding 19-50 long yellow disc florets. The fruit is a hairy achene.