First report of Symphyotrichum pilosum var. pilosum in Turkey
Symphyotrichum pilosum var. pilosum (Asteraceae) was first reported in Turkey from the Ereğli district of Zonguldak province between August and September 2016. The genus Symphyotrichum contains approximately 100 species – most of which are native to North, Central and South America. Before the discovery of S. pilosum var. pilosum in country, only two species of Symphyotrichum had been recorded in Turkey (S. laeve and S. squamatum). S. pilosum var. pilosum is native to the eastern part of North America and several provinces of Canada. The species is recorded as naturalised in India and more recently it has been reported as naturalised in the Piemonte region of Italy. In Europe the species occurs in a variety of habitats, mostly in agricultural areas, along the coastline and at sides of roads, in vine yards, city parks and disturbed habitats. In Turkey, the population is found in the Ereğli district of Zonguldak province at an elevation of 10-150 m. The habitats where the species is found include abandoned fields and roadsides.
Sources
Tunçkol B, Aksoy N, Yaşayacak H (2017) A new record for alien flora of Turkey: Symphyotrichum pilosum (Willd.) G.L. Nesom var. pilosum. Modern Phytomorphology 11, 105-109.