Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.133498
Element CodePDASTE8400
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
Endemicoccurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassDicotyledoneae
OrderAsterales
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusSymphyotrichum
SynonymsAster novi-belgiiL.
Other Common NamesAster de New York (FR) New Belgium American-aster (EN) New York Aster (EN) New York 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.
Taxonomic CommentsIn Kartesz's 1999 Synthesis Aster novi-belgii (as treated in Kartesz 1994) is mostly treated as Symphyotrichum novi-belgii, the exceptions being that A. novi-belgii var. litoreus is included in S. praealtum and A. novi-belgii var. tardiflorus is not treated. Also, Aster longifolius Lam. is included in S. novi-belgii.
Conservation Status
Rank Method Rank calculation - Biotics v2
Review Date2025-01-08
Change Date1984-02-09
Edition Date2025-01-08
Edition AuthorsSoteropoulos (2025)
Threat ImpactUnknown
Range Extent>2,500,000 square km (greater than 1,000,000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences> 300
Rank ReasonsSymphyotrichum novi-belgii is a wide-ranging perennial forb in a variety of habitats occurring natively in eastern North America from Newfoundland west to Quebec, Canada south through New England to South Carolina in the United States, and it is introduced in British Columbia, Mexico, Europe, and Australia. There are four varieties, though research into their taxonomy and ranges is needed. Threats include invasive species, deer browse, succession, and likely other threats in some places. Little is known about 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 novi-belgii occurs natively in eastern North America from Newfoundland west to Quebec, Canada south through New England to South Carolina in the United States, and it is introduced in British Columbia, Mexico, Europe, and Australia (FNA 2006). Native range extent was estimated to be over 3 million square kilometers using herbarium specimens, photo-based observations, and NatureServe Network occurrence data documented between 1993 and 2025 (GBIF 2025, iNaturalist 2025, NatureServe 2025, SEINet 2025). See individual entries for distribution details about the four varieties.
Occurrences CommentsBy applying a 1 km separation distance to herbarium specimens, photo-based observations, and NatureServe Network occurrence data documented between 1993 and 2025, it is estimated that there are approximately 2,000 native occurrences rangewide (GBIF 2025, iNaturalist 2025, NatureServe 2025, SEINet 2025).
Threat Impact CommentsAlthough threats are not widely documented, this species is threatened by invasive species, deer browse, succession, and other threats in some places (NatureServe 2025). There is insufficient data, including anecdotal accounts, to understand the scope and severity of threats for this taxon. However, their overall impact is likely negligible given the species' broad range, large number of occurrences, and no obvious intrinsic vulnerabilities.