Purple-stemmed or Bristly AsterSymphyotrichum puniceum
Flowers are in an open cluster on branching stems near the top of the plant. Individual flowers are from 1 to 1½ inches across with 30 to 60 slender, pale violet to blue-violet petals (ray flowers) and a yellow center disk that turns reddish purple with maturity. The bracts are very narrow and peel back away from the flower.
Leaves are dark green, to 10 inches long and 1¼ inch wide, tapering to a sharp point at the tip, with fine widely spaced teeth and a prominent center vein. Attachment is alternate; leaves clasp the main stem and those near the base of the plant may drop off by flowering time. The texture is bristly. Plants may reach seven feet tall.
