USDA and ITIS lists four varieties.
var. apricum: alpine leafybract aster. western NA (w/out AZ): Plants 5–20 cm; heads usually borne singly; phyllaries often purple-tinged; alpine or sub- alpine habitats
var. canbyi: Canby's aster. western US: Phyllaries obtuse to rounded; cauline leaves often clasping at base
var. foliaceum: alpine leafybract aster. artic w NA: Phyllaries acute; cauline leaves sometimes rounded at base, not clasping.
var. parryi: Parry's aster. western NA: Plants 10–30 cm; heads usually 1–12; phyllaries green; montane to subalpine habitats.
Note hairless stem and dull upper leave surface. (therefore not E. ledophyllus).
west North Cascades; east Olympics
TRAIL: Skyline Divide; Mt. Townsend (Little Quilcene)
HABITAT: subalpine meadow
ELEVATION: 1,220 - 1,780 m (4,000 - 5,840 ft.)
BLOOM TIME: 26-AUG; 08-SEP
