6b. var. prostratum (Kuntze) G.L. Nesom

Aster ericoides var. prostratus (Kuntze) S.F. Blake

A. ericoides f. prostratus (Kuntze) Fernald

Stems with the pubescence of spreading to somewhat reflexed hairs, these usually relatively sandpapery to the touch. Stem leaves with the hairs mostly spreading. Involucral bracts sparsely to moderately hairy on the outer surface. 2n=10, 20(?). July–October.

Scattered to common in the Glaciated and Unglaciated Plains Divisions, but mostly absent from the rest of the state (Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, and Illinois; apparently disjunct in North Carolina). Upland prairies, loess hill prairies, glades, and mesic upland forests; also pastures, old fields, railroads, roadsides, and open, disturbed areas.

This is the less commonly encountered variety in Missouri. Its range is mostly the same as that for var. ericoides; however, it appears to be nearly absent from the western portion of the Glaciated Plains Division.