Anticosti Aster
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Anticosti Aster
Throughout the world, the Anticosti Aster ( Symphotryichum anticostense ) grows only in an area around the Gulf of St. Lawrence , in North Eastern North America. Because there are so few known sites, the Aster is a federally-listed species at risk (status: threatened). Although most Anticosti Aster populations are in Quebec , New Brunswick has several known populations along the St John River . The Nature Trust of New Brunswick protects one of New Brunswick 's sites, the Arthur Kyle Nature Preserve , in perpetuity.
S. Anticostensis Attributes The Anticosti Aster is a slender, herbaceous perennial that grows 50 to 60 cm in height. Its leaves are stemless, with few to no serrations along the margins. At the end of each branch, a flower head bares a few pale purple or lilac flowers. Homeground Like the Furbish's Lousewort , the Anticosti Aster has a highly specialized habitat. It occurs on limestone outcrops, or gravel beds along the banks of fast flowing rivers. Here, periodic disturbances such as flooding and ice scouring can remove competing vegetation and maintain the site in an early stage of succession. Helping Out
Landowners and users of the the St John River valley can help support possible future and current Anticosti Aster populations by maintaining the natural quality of the shoreline habitat . Clearing of river bank vegetation, dumping, filling in the shoreline, and careless recreational use may all adversely affect the shoreline ecosystem. Regulation of downstream water level by dams and grazing by deer may also threaten Anticosti Aster populations. Visit Anticosti Aster's Species at Risk webpage for further information.
Photo Credits: 1 - S. Blaney | 2 - S. Dietz | 3 - J. Simpson | 4 - M. Sheppard
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