New England Aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
Courtesy WD and Dolphia Bransford, Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center.
Summary
Asters are a fall favorite at the SBG, and New England Aster is no exception. This aster lights up the late-season landscape with abundant masses of purple flowers. ranging through shades of violet, purple, lavender ,or pink. Large and showy, this aster can grow up to six feet high. The flowers are an important source of nectar for late- season pollinators, especially monarchs as they fuel up for their fall migration. At the SBG, you’ll find the straight species as well as the magenta-hued cultivar ‘Alma Potschke’ in the Discovery Garden.
More Details
FAMILY
Asteraceae (Aster)
BLOOM TIME
August - October
FLOWER
Deep pink-purple
MATURE SIZE
3-6 feet
LIGHT REQUIREMENT
Full sun to part shade
SOIL CONDITIONS
Average to moist soils
NATIVE STATUS
PA Native
Ecosystem Connections
Showy flowers are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, providing crucial resources as they prepare for winter. It’s also a larval host for the pearl crescent, the gorgone checkerspot butterfly and the wavy-lined emerald moth.