Whorled Wood Aster

Oclemena acuminata

Ecology & Conservation

Proximity Score: 0
Native Status: ✅ Outaouais ✅ Ottawa ✅ QC ✅ ON
Closest Direction: Local
CEC Eco-Regions: 5 – Northern Forests, 5.2 – Mixed Wood Shield, 5.2.3 – Algonquin/Southern Laurentians
Rarity Notes: Ranked S4 (Apparently Secure) in both Ontario and Quebec. Globally ranked G5 (Secure). Not listed under SARA or COSEWIC. Uncommon in the Ottawa area according to Brunton (2005).
S22 G5, S4 ON, S4 QC; S26 not SARA listed; S62 Uncommon in Ottawa
Rarity Ranks: QC S4 – Apparently Secure, ON S4 – Apparently Secure
Migration: Stable
Ecological Context: An Appalachian element of cool, mesic to humid forests with well-drained, often acidic soils. Found in hemlock-white pine-northern hardwoods and Acadian forests, aspen-white birch groves, and occasionally clearings and forest edges. Adapted to low light levels; leaves often pseudoverticillate to maximize light capture. Chlorotic and reduced when growing in exposed habitats.
S6 FNA distribution and ecology; S62 Uncommon in Ottawa

Roles: Fortress/Barrier, Pollinator Attractor
S73/S29/S72 Evidence: Fortress/Barrier: S61 keyword match: spines? (supporting signal only)] | Pollinator Attractor: S73 [MEDIUM]: S68 4 bee associations (threshold=3)]

❌ Not Edible