Willowleaf aster (Symphyotrichum praealtum) COSEWIC status assessment and status report chapter 6
Biology
Population size varies from one to many individuals. It is difficult to determine the actual number of genetic individuals at a site because the species is rhizomatous and potentially forms large, overlapping, clones. This is a late fall flowering herbaceous perennial species.
Reproduction is by asexual propagation (fragmentation of rhizomes) as well as by sexually produced seeds. The species is easily transplanted using only small portions of the rhizome (10 cm long) with a short length of aerial shoot attached.
The species is a semi-obligate out-breeding species, as are nearly all asters (Jones 1978). This means that populations usually must consist of several genetically different individuals in order for there to be significant fruit and seed set. Asters can self-pollinate, when stimulated by the presence of pollen from other species or by chance. Normal pollen transfer between individuals is accomplished by insects, primarily bees, flies and Lepidoptera. Other insects may also serve as occasional pollen vectors.
Achene (single seeded indehiscent fruit) dispersal is presumed to be by wind.
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