A late-season wildflower with brilliant purple ray flowers around a yellow center. New England asters bloom into November when most other flowers have gone — feeding migrating monarchs and overwintering native bees.

Also called: New England Aster, Michaelmas Daisy

Native status: Native to eastern North America

§ Quick facts

SizeHeight 1–2 m
LifespanPerennial
OrderAsterales
FamilyAsteraceae

§ Encyclopedia

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae is a species of flowering plant in the aster family (Asteraceae) native to central and eastern North America. Commonly known as New England aster, hairy Michaelmas-daisy, or Michaelmas daisy, it is a perennial, herbaceous plant usually between 30 and 120 centimeters tall and 60 to 90 cm wide.

Source: Wikipedia — Symphyotrichum novae-angliae Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Tall plant with hairy stem; purple ray florets and yellow centers; in dense flat-topped clusters.

Similar species. Other Symphyotrichum species. Late Purple Aster.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis

Behavior. Iconic native aster with brilliant purple flowers in fall. Among the most pollinator-attractive native plants. State flower of nowhere yet, but a perennial favorite.

§ Range

Eastern and central US, southeastern Canada

§ Habitat

Wet meadows, prairies, roadsides, garden edges

§ Threats

Mowing during bloom, conversion of native meadow to lawn, herbicide drift.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the new england aster is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Plant in fall garden corners. Skip late-season mowing. Support roadside pollinator strips.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Plants Database
  • Xerces Society