[1] The rocks are subjected to periodic flooding when the river levels rise, submerging the plants and scouring the substrates they grow on.

[1][3] The plant is associated with Liatris microcephala (smallhead blazing star), which tolerates the same kind of habitat.

[5] This stoppage of the normal river flow has allowed plants to move into the small patches of soil occupied by the aster, leading to competition and excessive shade.

Troublesome competing plant species include Toxicodendron radicans (poison ivy), Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper), Vitis rotundifolia (wild grape), Campsis radicans (trumpet creeper), Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle), Lespedeza cuneata (lespedeza), and Microstegium vimineum (Nepal grass).

[1] The other population on the Ocoee River was composed of about 500 plants growing in a habitat affected by nearby mining operations,[5] as well as power production.

This is made difficult by the infestation of the greenhouse plants by the powdery mildew Erysiphe cichoracearum.

The Cherokee National Forest implemented a plan to remove poison ivy from aster sites, and though this was effective it was not feasible.