[5] S. robynsianum is a perennial, herbaceous plant with long rhizomes and erect stems ranging from 10 to 80 centimetres (4 to 31 inches) tall.

In 1957, Jacques Rousseau, a Quebecois ethnobotanist, described Aster robynsianum based on a specimen from central Quebec, naming it after Walter Robyns, a director of the National Botanic Garden of Belgium.

[8] Symphyotrichum robynsianum is native to parts of Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

It is typical of moist, open, sandy, gravelly or rocky habitats such as river and lake shores, and alvars.

On a US state and Canadian province basis, it listed the species as Vulnerable (S3) in Quebec; Critically Imperiled (S1) in Manitoba and Wisconsin; and, Secure (S5) in Ontario.