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Native Plant Database

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Machaeranthera bigelovii var. bigelovii (Bigelow's tansyaster)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Machaeranthera bigelovii var. bigelovii (Gray) Greene

Bigelow's tansyaster, Plains aster, Tansy aster

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Synonyms: Aster bigelovii

USDA Symbol: MABIB

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

This is a showy, annual or biennial tansy aster with large, lavender-rayed flowers seen blooming en masse in autumn. The 1-3 ft. plant blooms to a lesser extent in spring and summer. Foliage on the leafy stems is sticky and hairy.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Biennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf: Green
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Purple
Bloom Time: Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov

Distribution

USA: CO , NM , NV , OK , WY
Native Distribution: W. CO, NM & AZ
Native Habitat: Canyons; slopes; plains; 3000-7000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Part Shade
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Shallow or rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Plains aster can begin blooming as early as March, but its main bloom period starts in September.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Description: Not Available
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Machaeranthera bigelovii var. bigelovii in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Machaeranthera bigelovii var. bigelovii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Machaeranthera bigelovii var. bigelovii

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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