Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.158579
Element CodePDASTE8540
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
IUCNLeast concern
Endemicoccurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassDicotyledoneae
OrderAsterales
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusSymphyotrichum
SynonymsAster lanceolatusWilld.
Other Common NamesAster lancéolé (FR) Lance-leaved Aster (EN) Swamp Aster (EN) White Panicle Aster (EN) white panicle aster (EN)
Concept ReferenceKartesz, J.T. 1999. A synonymized checklist and atlas with biological attributes for the vascular flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. First edition. In: Kartesz, J.T., and C.A. Meacham. Synthesis of the North American Flora, Version 1.0. North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, N.C.
Conservation Status
Rank Method Rank calculation - Biotics v2
Review Date2025-01-10
Change Date1993-07-08
Edition Date2025-01-10
Edition AuthorsSkello, M. (1993), rev. Soteropoulos (2025)
Threat ImpactUnknown
Range Extent>2,500,000 square km (greater than 1,000,000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences> 300
Rank ReasonsSymphyotrichum lanceolatum is a perennial herb in a variety of habitats and the most widely distributed species in the genus, occurring throughout North America, including northern Mexico, except Alaska, United States and Yukon and Nunavut in Canada; it is introduced in Europe. There are five varieties which are occasionally treated as two subspecies. Little is known about threats and trends, but with a large range extent and large number of occurrences, abundant habitat, broad habitat preferences, and no obvious intrinsic vulnerabilities, this species is considered secure.
Range Extent CommentsSymphyotrichum lanceolatum is "the most widely distributed species in the genus," occurring throughout North America, including northern Mexico, except Alaska, United States and Yukon and Nunavut in Canada; it is introduced in Europe (FNA 2006, Semple 2021). Native range extent was estimated to be over 13 million square kilometers using herbarium specimens and photo-based observations documented between 1994 and 2025 (GBIF 2025, iNaturalist 2025, SEINet 2025). See individual entries for distribution details about the five varieties.
Occurrences CommentsBy applying a 1 km separation distance to herbarium specimens and photo-based observations documented between 1994 and 2025, it is estimated that there are over 5,000 occurrences rangewide (GBIF 2025, iNaturalist 2025, SEINet 2025).
Threat Impact CommentsAlthough threats are not widely documented, this species is potentially threatened by development, rights-of-way management, invasive species, and other threats in some places. However, their overall impact is likely negligible given the species' broad range, large number of occurrences, and no obvious intrinsic vulnerabilities.