New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

 

New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

New England aster is a perennial wildflower native to Wisconsin and one of the most vivid contributors to late‑season color. Plants typically grow two to six feet tall, with stout, hairy stems lined with narrow, clasping leaves. At the top of these stems, showy flower heads appear in loose clusters. Each head is usually one to two inches across, with numerous purple to rose‑purple rays surrounding a bright yellow disk that draws a wide range of pollinators.

This aster thrives in full sun to light shade and favors moist to mesic conditions. It grows in prairies, meadows, open woodlands, stream banks, and disturbed sites. Blooming from late August into October, it provides abundant nectar when many other native plants have finished flowering. Monarchs frequently visit it during fall migration, along with native bees, butterflies, and other late‑season insects.

Source list:

Flora of North America – Symphyotrichum novae‑angliae

UW–Madison Herbarium – Symphyotrichum novae‑angliae

Minnesota Wildflowers – New England Aster

Illinois Wildflowers – New England Aster

USDA Plants Database – Symphyotrichum novae‑angliae

(SF)