western silvery aster, credit: peganum CC BY-SA 2.0

Endangered Provincially and Threatened Nationally

Description

• Perennial wildflower most noticeable in the fall when it flowers
• Can grow up to 70 centimetres, with leaves that are covered in fine hairs giving silvery appearance; pink or pale purple flowers that become redder as it ages
• Inhabits open bur oak savannahs on shallow soils over bedrock, with other prairie species

Range

• Found nearby Lake of the Woods

Threats

• Habitat loss
• Human disturbance

Protection

• Provincially protected under Endangered Species Act, 2007
• Federally protected under Species at Risk Act, 2002

Fact

Western silvery aster is Ontario’s rarest aster.