There are many varieties of asters, native and hybrid versions throughout North America and Eurasia. This hoary aster is native to western and central North America, from the Pacific coast to the Great Plains. They are generally found in mountain regions and grow better in cooler climates. Hoary asters will bloom from late spring to late autumn on roadsides, slopes, or in wooded areas in the high desert or mountains. I took these photos on a Ponderosa pine forest, high elevation, mountain trail.