Symphyotrichum novae-angliae New England Aster

Ohio Native Plant Natural Range

To view the natural range of Symphyotrichum novae-angliae visit the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service website.
Monarch butterfly that is black, white and orange feeding on Symphyotrichum -novae-angliae flower that is blue with a yellow center
Monarch Butterfly feasting on nectar
Close up of the alternating, clasping, rough and slightly hairy leaves of the New England Aster
Alternating, clasping, rough and slightly hairy
Cultivation Information - New England Aster

Height - 4 ft - 5 ft - By the end of the season the New England Aster growing along our fence is monster sized! We utilize the fence and pull the big guy in a bit with old clothesline. Flower Color - Purple, light blue Blooms - August - OctoberSun - Sun/part sunHardy Zone - 3 to 8 pH - 5.5 to 7 Soil - Average - They seem to do well with soil that is not to dry and not to moist. When New England Asters are happy you will know it as they fill in nicely and have an abundance of blooms. Family -Asteraceae
Propagation Notes New England Aster
Seed Stratification
Cold/ Moist - storage for 60 days. Outdoors - Sow seed in the fall - provide a simple cold frame covering to protect from elemets. Identifying seedlings – When experimenting with new seed, starting them indoors allows one to closely observe unique and specific characteristics.
Suggested reading – Seedling identification - The Tall Grass Prairie Center Guide to Seed and Seedling Identification in the Upper Midwest, By Dave Williams
Close up of one half dozen New England Aster flowers that have many light pale purple petals with a yellow center.
In the fall New England Aster flowers brighten up the garden!

Wildlife Significance - New England Aster

Provides Late Fall Pollen - As a source of protein for:long-tongued bees, bee flies, short-tongue bees and Syrphid flies
Bumble Bees - Assists Queen Bumble Bees in their quest to build pollen reserves for winter
Host Plant - Leaves are food for the Caterpillars of Pear Crescent ButterflyProvides Late Fall Nectar - Butterflies and skippers Seed - Wild Turkeys sometimes enjoy, hjowever it would not their first choice.
Deer - Mammals are not fond of New England Aster
For detailed information visit the Illinois Wildflower website

A flock of turkeys discoverd my parents backyard that contains over 100 different native perennials
One huge male turkey proudly waltzing around a garden in Baldwinsville, NY
Two pale blue Symphyotrichum -novae-angliae flower facing away from the camera with the small thin green leaf bracts easy to identify.
Vew from the back - Leaf bracts ofSymphyotrichum novae-angliae
Provenance Symphyotrichum -novae-angliae

 Greene County, Ohio, 2021. Volunteer - Nodding Onion Gardens 2012 - to present