Although we think of asters and goldenrods as common, some of the most attractive species are actually quite rare. Among these are rough-leaved aster and showy goldenrod. These species are partly restricted to distinctive habitats and hence have particular conservation value, as members of unique communities and as food sources for insect pollinators in those areas. I conducted field surveys and collected data from other botanists to determine if these two species are rare enough to warrant legal protection in PA.