The dense arrays of flower heads are present on the upper, branched portion of the stem.

[3] Symphyotrichum praealtum is found in moist, open habitats including wet prairies and meadows, shores, oak savannahs, ditches, and roadsides.

[3] Periodic disturbance, such as wildfire, drought, or human clearing, is required to maintain open habitats suitable for the species.

In some areas, this species may be the latest-flowering plant, and this may limit the number of insects available to serve as pollinators.

In Ontario it is threatened by habitat loss, invasive species, and a reduction or elimination of natural wildfire.