This lifeform is found in Europe. This non-native lifeform is now locally established in greater North America.

Aster lateriflorus is native to North America. However, this species is now naturalized in Europe.

Aster genus (Asters) is a large genus with almost 300 different species of herbs.  Many of these are native to North America.  There are a large number of species in the western mountains of North America and also a large number (perhaps 75 or so species) in the eastern United States.  There are 114 species and 140 subspecies listed in Kartesz in his greater North America which includes the United States, Canada, Hawaii,  Greenland, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  With the large number of species in this genus,  many are hard to separate without considerable study.   Most of the species bloom in the fall.  The typical aster has alternate leaves and is perennial in nature.  There is a center disk surrounded by colored, typically white, pink, or purple,  rays.  Frequently,  there are numerous flowers at bloom time.  Images of about 20 of the most common and widespread species found in North America are shown here.