willow aster, Symphyotrichum praealtum

Willow aster had not been found here in Lenawee County since 1951. The label on that specimen just says "near Ogden Center". It typically grows in moist fields and prairies. The other day Paul mentioned that he had found box turtles down that way in that sort of habitat. I have never found such a spot in Ogden. One thing led to another, and Friday we went looking. Here it is, a state special concern species. But no turtles. Willow aster grows in AL, AR, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI(SC), MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ(E), NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SD, TN(E), TX, VA, VT, WI, WV, and BC, NB, NS, ON(T), and QC(L).