Plant Details

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

New England Aster

Please register or login to build your personal plant list.

Attractive, purple flowers with yellow centers have a long bloom period; making this perennial a welcome addition to your native garden.

See Details Below

Description:

New England Aster is one of the showiest asters. It boasts a large number of flowers with a long bloom period that extends from the end of summer through fall, and even until the first frost. It can grow quite tall, and may need staking to keep the plant erect. Pruning stems before mid-summer will control plant height and promote bushiness, while adding structure and support. It requires moist, rich soil and will be suseptible to disease if not planted in appropriate conditions. It naturally occurs in wet meadows and along stream banks. Plant New England Aster in your perennial bed with plenty of moisture, in a moist meadow or wet woodland edge, or next to a pond. Mass together with native goldenrod for beautiful, contrasting fall color.

Wildlife Value: Visited by long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, syrphid flies, bee flies, Monarchs, small butterflies and skippers, all searching for nectar or pollen. New England Aster is a host plant for caterpillars of Pearl Crescent butterfly (Phyciodes tharos) and checkerspot butterflies, as well as various moths. The seeds are eaten by birds. 

Plant Details: