Aster, New England – Aster novae-angliae

Description

New England Aster is a striking native perennial that brings brilliant color to the late-season landscape. Growing 3–5 feet tall, it produces masses of purple, lavender, pink, or violet daisy-like flowers with bright golden-yellow centers from late summer through fall. An important source of nectar when many other flowers have faded, New England Aster attracts bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and migrating Monarchs, while its seeds provide food for songbirds and small mammals.

This adaptable wildflower thrives in full sun to light shade and prefers moist soils, though it tolerates a wide range of growing conditions. Ideal for perennial borders, wildflower gardens, meadows, and naturalized plantings, it creates a spectacular display when planted in drifts or groups. Plant New England Aster with other late summer- blooming plants like goldenrod, black-eyed Susan, purple coneflower, and ornamental grasses like little bluestem. Deer- and rabbit-resistant, New England Aster is also a host plant for the Pearl Crescent, Gorgone Checkerspot, and Wavy-Lined Emerald moth, making it an exceptional choice for pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Quick Specs:

Origin: Native 

Type: Perennial

Color: Pink/Violet/Purple

Height: 24-72 inches

Width/spread: 18-30 inches 

Sunlight: Full sun, partial shade

Water: Wet to medium dry 

Bloom Season: Late summer to fall 

Planting Time: Late fall to early spring

Zones: 4b-8a

Regions: Midwest, Intermountain West, Northeast, Eastern Canada 

Uses: Borders, prairies, meadows, wildlife habitat, wetlands, as well as butterfly, pollinator, and native gardens. Deer & rabbit resistant. 

Attracts: Butterflies, moths, bees, birds, and beetles