H&C lists two varieties:
var. occidentalis: <10 flower heads at higher elevations.
var. intermidius: broad >10 flower heads at lower elevations.
eFlora.org list three varieties:
var. spathulatum: (Western Mountain Aster); <10 flower heads
var. intermedium: (Larger Western Mountain Aster); >10 flower heads
var. yosemitanum: (Western Bog Aster); Leaves narrowly elliptic to oblanceolate
from eFlora.org
Symphyotrichum spathulatum is a variable species, widespread in montane regions of western North America. It hybridizes with S. eatonii, S. foliaceum, and S. hendersonii.
Note linear pointed hairless leaves. Basal leaves slightly larger than stem leaves. Grows in damp meadows at mid-high elevations in eWA state.
east North Cascades
TRAIL: Slate Peak Rd.
HABITAT: Subalpine meadow (wet)
ELEVATION: 1,230 m (4,030 ft.)
BLOOM TIME: 13-SEP
