The plants have probably migrated to this area from the central plains states.
Curlycup Gumweed
96. PURPLE ASTERSunflower Family
Aster sp.
The Asters and Fleabanes are sometimes confused, but they can generally be recognized by the difference in the number of ray flowers. That is, Asters have only about half as many ray flowers as do the Fleabanes.
Species of Purple Aster form an important part of the late summer floral display at Cedar Breaks and Bryce Canyon. They come on after the Lupine, Columbine, Indian Paintbrush and other early bloomers have faded.
Purple Aster
97. FLEABANESunflower Family
Erigeron speciosus
There are numerous species of Fleabane in this region. Some particular kind may be found at any time of the growing season, for certain species bloom very early and others continue late in autumn.