Symphyotrichum depauperatum, also known as the serpentine aster, is a rare species of aster adapted to serpentine barrens, an ecosystem with a high concentration of toxic metals in the soil. Symphyotrichum depauperatum is a perennial herb up to 50 cm (20 inches) tall, with 1-3 stems. Leaves are narrow, generally 2-4 cm (0.8-1.6 inches) long. The plant produces numerous flower heads in branched arrays, each head with 7–14 white or pink ray flowers surrounding 7–17 yellow disc flowers.