Best Management Practices Reasons for Decline Populations of decurrent false aster declined Department of as floodplain wetlands were converted for Conservation agricultural use. It is currently threatened by -control measures, agricultural use of marginal river-bottom land, increased siltation Decurrent False Aster of floodwater, herbicide use for weed control, decurrens construction, and possibly by hybridization with the related false aster, B. asteroides. Common name ▪ Decurrent False Aster Changes in flooding regimes which allow Scientific name ▪ succession of habitats to shade-producing State status ▪ Endangered species are also a threat.

Federal status ▪ Threatened

Ecology Decurrent false aster grows in wetlands, on the borders of marshes and lakes, and on the margins of bottomland oxbows and sloughs. Historically, this was found in wet prairies, marshes, and along the shores of some rivers and lakes. Decurrent false aster is a "fugitive" species that exists in relatively ephemeral populations. It favors recently disturbed areas and flooding plays a major role in creating "habitat opportunities" for this species. Current habitats include riverbanks, old fields, roadsides, mudflats and lake shores. Decurrent false aster prefers a moist habitat but can tolerate drought. Today it can be found in areas where succession is Recommendations prevented by some kind of disturbance and Projects in areas where decurrent false aster sunlight is allowed to reach the seedlings. It is likely to occur should include a survey is a perennial plant that blooms from August during the August to October flowering period to October, and spreads vegetatively by to determine if the species is present. producing root offshoots ( rosettes) around Beneficial Practices the parent plant. Seed dispersal is achieved  Maintain open, moist, early primarily by floodwater. In Missouri, successional habitat that receives decurrent false aster distribution is restricted periodic inundation from Mississippi to the floodplain from the River floodwater. Established River southward. Current populations populations need newly-disturbed are fewer and more isolated than in historical areas in which to spread. times. Former distribution of this plant  Occasional cultivation may benefit included Lincoln, St. Charles, St. Louis, and asters through soil disturbance. Asters Cape Girardeau counties. Presently it is only are often located in wet lowland known to occur in St. Charles County. agricultural fields. These marginal areas should be avoided in wet years unless woody vegetation becomes U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established. Periodic disturbance will Ecological Services Field Office 101 Park DeVille Dr., Suite A be needed to keep a site suitable for Columbia, MO 65203 the aster. Telephone: 573/234-2132  The wetland areas where decurrent Legal Issues false aster is found need to be These Best Management Practices were protected in order to protect its habitat. prepared by the Missouri Department of Many aster populations are started Conservation with assistance from other state when seeds float downstream and agencies, contractors, and others to provide become established on river banks or guidance to those people who wish to in muddy backwater areas. Do not voluntarily act to protect wildlife and habitat. disturb these sites after flooding.  Resurvey following significant flooding Compliance with Best Management Practices as decurrent false aster populations is not required by the Missouri wildlife and are frequently redistributed by flood forestry law nor by any regulation of the waters. Missouri Conservation Commission. Other  Use cutting, prescribed burns, or federal, state or local laws may affect herbicides to reduce colonization of construction practices. sites by cottonwoods, willows, and other wetland woody species. “State Endangered Status” is determined by  Low, wet areas of agricultural fields the Missouri Conservation Commission under occupied by decurrent false aster constitutional authority, and specific should be cultivated only with requirements for impacts to such species are adequate frequency to prevent expressed in the Missouri Wildlife Code, rule succession to heavy shade-producing 3CSR10-4.111. species, perhaps every third year. Adverse Practices Species listed under the Federal Endangered  Mowing of decurrent false aster Species Act must be considered in projects populations the May through October receiving federal funds or requiring permits growing period. under the Clean Water Act, with compliance  Changing drainage patterns that would issues resolved in consultation with the U.S. lessen accessibility of sites to Fish and Wildlife Service. Mississippi river flood water.  Applying non-specific herbicides.

Information Contacts For further information regarding regulations for development in rivers and streams, contact:

Missouri Department of Conservation Policy Coordination Section P.O. Box 180 2901 W. Truman Blvd Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 Telephone: 573/751-4115