Abstract: Aster ageratoides var. pendulus W. P. Li & G. X. Chen, a new variety of Aster (Asteraceae) from Shimen County, northwestern Hunan, China, is described. The variety is similar to A. ageratoides var. laticorymbus (Vant.) Hand.-Mazz., from which it differs by having pendent stem, basal leaves and lower stem leaves purple beneath, stem leaves linear, hispid above, and broader phyllaries. The new variety is also possibly similar to A. ageratoides var. micranthus Ling in the linear leaves and white ligules, but differs by having the phyllaries green at apex, 1.25–1.75 mm wide, and the obvious creeping underground rhizomes.

Key words: Aster, Aster ageratoides var. pendulus W. P. Li & G. X. Chen, Asteraceae, new variety, Hunan, China