Symphyotrichum ascendens is a rhizomatous, perennial, and herbaceous plant growing a branching, erect stem to heights between 20 and 60 centimeters (8 and 24 inches).

Leaves are widely lance-shaped to oblong and pointed, the largest ones near the base of the stem reaching up to 15 cm (6 in) long.

[11] This species is allopolyploid, derived from the hybridization of S. spathulatum (chromosome base number x = 8) with S. falcatum (x = 5),[6] each from a different subgenus, Symphyotrichum and Virgulus, respectively.

[12] This produced a plant with a unique base number of x = 13,[8] also written x2 = 13 (8 + 5),[9] and it warranted its own subgenus, Ascendentes, and its own species name.

[2] It can be found at elevations of 500–3,200 meters (1,600–10,500 feet) in several habitats including grasslands, sagebrush steppe, and meadows.