Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

Common Names

New England Aster, Michaelmas Daisy, Aster de Nouvelle-Angleterre

Summary

New England Aster, Symphyotrichum novae-angliae, is a native North American perennial with erect, clump-forming stems and stout, hairy foliage. It typically grows to 3–6 ft tall and 2–3 ft wide, with rough, lanceolate leaves clasping the stem. Flower heads carry 40–75 (up to ~100) ray florets that are violet to purple (some forms pink) surrounding yellow disk florets that may age to purple, blooming from August to October (sometimes November) and attracting bees and butterflies; it self-seeds and can spread vegetatively to form dense clumps. It grows best in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil and tolerates clay soils; hardy in USDA zones 3–8. Good air circulation helps reduce foliar diseases; divisions every 3–4 years maintain vigor, and self-seeding is common. Uses include borders, wildflower plantings, rain gardens, and cut flowers, with seeds feeding birds and nectar provided for pollinators.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-6 feet

Spread

24-36 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun, tolerates Partial Sun and Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

Tolerates all pH levels

Bloom Color

Purple to pink

Bloom Time

Late Summer to Fall

Foliage Color

Green (light to dark green)

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow or brown

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast-growing

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, butterflies, other pollinators, birds