Symphyotrichum simmondsii is a colony-forming herbaceousperennial that grows 10 centimeters (4 inches) to 120 cm (4 ft) tall from long rhizomes. The flowers have an average of 18–38pale lavender or lilac to pale purple petals, also called rays or ray florets. The flower centers, composed of disk florets, begin as yellow and become reddish as they mature. There are roughly 24–37disk florets, each with five lobes.[4]
The species grows in moist or dry habitats at elevations of up to 50 meters (164 feet) and can be found in the southeastern United States, particularly in peninsular Florida.[4]
