Three Confusible Asters

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Slender Aster,
Symphyotrichum subulatum
Leafy Daisy,
Erigeron foliosus
California aster,
Corethrogyne filaginifolia
Annual. Leaves and stem are essentially hairless. Phyllaries are slender and upfacing. Flowers are very small (smaller than the other two by about 50%). Prefers moist locations, streamsides, etc.

Perennial. Either hairless or lightly hairy. Phyllaries flat, not recurving. Ray flowers usually with a blueish cast. In many habitats. Blooms a bit earlier than the other two.

 Perennial. Always with at least some hairs on the foliage, often dense. Phyllaries are thick and recurve as they age. Disk florets stand well above the ray petals. Grasslands and open, rather dry locations.

Corethrogyne filaginifolia (L), Symphyotrichum defoliatum (T), Erigeron foliosus v. foliosus (R), Falcon Meadow, Los Pinos Potrero, 10-7-12. © Ron Vanderhoff.
Corethrogyne filaginifolia (L), Symphyotrichum defoliatum (R), Erigeron foliosus v. foliosus (B), Falcon Meadow, Los Pinos Potrero, 10-7-12. © Ron Vanderhoff.

Corethrogyne filaginifolia (L), Erigeron foliosus var. foliosus (M), Symphyotrichum defoliatum (R), Falcon Meadow, Los Pinos Potrero, 10-7-12. © Ron Vanderhoff.
Symphyotrichum defoliatum (T), Erigeron foliosus v. foliosus (M), Corethrogyne filaginifolia (B), Falcon Meadow, Los Pinos Potrero, 10-7-12. © Ron Vanderhoff.