I wanted to ask a question to see if the Symphyotrichum people (or more) know a source or sources that I can use for the descriptions given for the varieties of S. lateriflorum. I have found taxons, distribution information, but no descriptions – what makes them different from the species. (I also f…

I’m not a taxonomist, but my impression is that while DNA testing answers some questions, it ends up producing many, many more puzzles!

[image] kweitemier: The autonym variety, Lupinus lepidus var. lepidus, only occurs in Washington’s Puget Trough and Oregon’s Willamette Valley and is (in my opinion) imperiled. The much more common variety is L. lepidus var. lobbii, which is widespread at high elevations in the Cascades, Sierras…

No. If you accept the criterion of monophyly (that any given taxon should contain all the descendants of a common ancestor, a clade), DNA reconstruction of phylogeny can make you pretty confident that certain individuals shouldn’t be lumped together. However, clades in a phylogenetic tree can nest t…

OP here. I just want to thank everyone again for your input. I am not finished “digesting” the info and will most likely still have more questions. I am learning to love this community. There is so much knowledge and generousity in sharing here. :)

Does anyone know if Flora of the Chicago Region (2017) recognizes the S. lateriflorum varieties?

It doesn’t, but says: There appears to be two elements of this species in our flora. The one that is conservative to fens is yellowish-green with coriaceous leaves, and the element occurring in other habitats is darker green with more membranaceous leaves.

OH! Well, that will help me with my IDs. :) I do see the yellowish-green leaves and it confuses me. Did you get that from an eBook? I saw that one should be available but on the IAS website, could not find a link on how to purchase it.

No, unfortunately the plans to make an ebook never panned out (at least as of my last discussion with Bill earlier this year).

[image] choess: although var. flagellare was originally described in 1953 and that article does not appear to be in BHL. Do you, or does anybody, know what publication is referenced here (specifically)? [image]

“[Field & Laboratory; Contributions from the Science Departments. [Southern Methodist University]” https://www.ipni.org/n/23635-2 (see also: https://www.ipni.org/?q=aster%20lateriflorus https://www.ipni.org/?q=Symphyotrichum%20lateriflorum for more infraspecific fun)

Question re source(s) for variety descriptions for Symphyotrichum lateriflorum

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Question re source(s) for variety descriptions for Symphyotrichum lateriflorum

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