Aster alpinus, L.

Tutin, T. G., Heywood, V. H., Burges, N. A., Moore, D. M., Valentine, D. H., Walters, S. M. & Webb, D. A., 1976, Flora Europaea. Volume 4. Plantaginaceae to Compositae (and Rubiaceae), Cambridge University Press : 115

17. A. alpinus L. , Sp. Pl. 872 (1753)

(inch A. korshinskyi Tamamsch. ).

Perennial 5-20(-50) cm. Stem ascending or erect, appressed-pubescent to lanate or subglabrous. Leaves entire, the basal and lower cauline spathulate to nearly elliptical, narrowed into a wide petiole; middle and upper cauline oblong-lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, sessile. Involucral bracts in 2(-3) indistinct rows, about equal in length, acute to obtuse, glabrous or hairy, fimbriate or ciliate. Ligules 20-40, violet-blue, very rarely pink or white, sometimes absent. Pappus-hairs unequal. 2« =18, 36. Mountains of Europe from C. Germany southwards', also at lower altitudes in E. Russia. Al Au Bu Cz Ga Ge Gr He Hs It Ju Po Rm Rs (N, C, W,?E).

The range of variation is considerable, but appears not to be correlated with geographical distribution.