Scale-leaf Aster is also known as Chain-leaf Aster.

Plant is an upright or reclining (drooping) much branched perennial herb, 18-24 inches tall. Preferred habitat is roadsides, open meadows, thin pine forests and the margin of swampy areas. Distribution is throughout the Escambia region.

Basal leaves are about 3/4 inch long; almost clasping the stem. Branch and stalked leaves reduced to tiny scales about 1/8 inch long, rough and tightly oppressed to the stem or slightly spreading at stem tip; chain-like arrangement.

Flower heads are about 1/2 inch in diameter and usually at the tip of a stem with occasional side heads. Ray flowers are bluish or lavender; disc flowers are yellow. Flowers occur in the autumn.

Fruit is a seed which outer layer is fused to it (achene).