New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

Distinguishing Characteristics

hairy stem and leaves, with leaves clasping stem

Height

up to 6 feet

Blooms

August to October

Description

Leaves are alternate and numerous, up to 4 inches long and 1 inch wide, hairy, with pointed leaf tips and bases clasping the stem. Several flower heads are clustered along the upper stems. Each head is about 1 1/2 inches across with more than 40 bright purple, petal-like ray flowers surrounding a yellow disk. Flowers also may be pinkish purple or pale lavender.

Comments

Found on wet prairies and in moist open fields or road ditches, it does well in moist sites. Easily spreads from seed into favorable sites. Seed is commonly available and often used in seed mixes. It is one of the last native wildflowers to bloom in the fall and is an excellent nectar source for butterflies and other insects.