Hierba del marrano

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On the far side of the pond in San Marcos from the place where I took pictures on November 15 of a bird holding a frog in its bill, I found a type of aster known botanically as Symphyotrichum subulatum and colloquially as eastern annual saltmarsh aster, or by some in Texas as hierba del marrano (hierba is pronounced the same as its alternate spelling yerba). Translated loosely, the Spanish name means pigweed, but I find the plant as attractive as pigs are alleged to do. Last fall I showed a view of this kind of aster, though from below. Either way, I hope you’ll enjoy this little wildflower, which is common in Austin and its surroundings.

For more information about Symphyotrichum subulatum, including a state-clickable map showing the many places in eastern North America where this species grows, you can visit the USDA website.

© 2012 Steven Schwartzman