Weed ID: Western/Mountain aster vs. Spotted Knapweed

Back at it again to help you tell the difference between a late-blooming native plant that provides valuable resources to native pollinators and a tenacious invasive species. Western/Mountain aster (Symphyotrichum ascendens) goes by many different common names but is native and can commonly be seen blooming in August and September along roadsides, driveways, and other areas with dry/compacted soils. Spotted knapweed is a county and state-declared invasive species that spreads in similar areas with a somewhat similar flower color.
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