New England Aster

(Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae, commonly known as New England Aster, is a deciduous perennial herb native to a wide range of habitats including moist meadows, wetlands, stream banks, and prairies in the Central and Eastern USA. It typically grows between 30 and 120 centimeters (1 and 4 feet) tall and 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft) wide. New England Aster is characterized by its showy, deep purple flowers with up to 100 ray florets, which can occasionally be pink or white, encircling numerous tiny yellow disk florets. The plant forms natural clumps with several erect, stout, hairy, and mostly unbranched stems. The lance-shaped leaves with earlobe-like appendages clasp the stem, and lower stem leaves often wither by flowering time.

This species is valued for its late-season blooms, typically from August to September, which provide a critical nectar source for pollinators. Its vibrant flowers and ease of maintenance make it a popular choice for wildflower gardens, meadow plantings, and borders. New England Aster thrives in full sun but can tolerate part shade, and it prefers moist, well-drained soils. While it is generally disease-resistant, powdery mildew can be a problem in crowded plantings with poor air circulation. To maintain vigor, divide clumps every few years. It is also important to monitor for potential invasiveness, as it can spread aggressively in some conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 3-6 feet
  • Width: 2-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Moist meadows, wetlands, stream banks, and prairies

Other Names

Common Names: New England Daisy , Michaelmas Daisy , Hairy Michaelmas-Daisy , Raublatt-Aster , Neuengland-Aster , Rauhblatt-Aster , Aster De Nouvelle Angleterre , Luktaster

Scientific Names: Symphyotrichum novae-angliae , Aster novae-angliae , Virgulus novae-angliae , Aster roseus , Aster spurius , Aster novae-angliae var. roseus , Aster novae-angliae f. roseus , Aster repertus , Aster novae-angliae f. novae-angliae , Aster amplexicaulis

GBIF Accepted Name: Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (L.) G.L.Nesom