New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is a perennial plant that thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. It is native to Central and Eastern North America, making it a delightful addition to gardens in Wisconsin.
This aster brightens the late-season landscape with clusters of deep violet-lavender flowers featuring orange-yellow centers. The blooms, which appear in the first year, have 45-100 rays and typically flower from August through October. In late summer, the flowers emit a slightly sweet scent, and the leaves release a spicy aroma when crushed. The plant attracts a variety of pollinators, including birds, butterflies, and moths, thanks to its nectar and pollen.
The delicate violet-lavender, daisy-like flowers also make beautiful cut flowers for bouquets. Additionally, the New England Aster serves as a host plant for the pearl crescent and checkerspot butterflies.
This plant prefers full sun or partial shade and grows to a mature height of 2-5 feet, with a spread of 1-3 feet. It can tolerate sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but thrives best in rich, moist, well-drained soil.
New England Aster features 1-3 hairy stems and lance-shaped leaves that are hairy, firm, up to 4 inches long, and ¾ inch wide. The leaves are arranged alternately and are toothless, with auricles (ear-like projections) at their base that clasp the stem.
As the flowers fade and dry, they produce seeds with a fluffy pappus attached, which aids in wind dispersal. Various animals, including sparrows, goldfinches, ruffed grouse, chipmunks, white-footed mice, and deer, enjoy the seeds.
Companion plants that complement the New England Aster include low-growing ferns, sweet black-eyed Susans, and purple coneflowers. This plant is also resistant to deer and rabbits.
To maintain vigorous growth, divide the plant every three years in the spring, after the leaves have emerged.
Historically, Native Americans burned the flowers and leaves for smudging purposes. Aster tea was also used to treat earaches, stomach aches, and fevers.
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is a perennial plant that thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. It is native to Central and Eastern North America, making it a delightful addition to gardens in Wisconsin.
This aster brightens the late-season landscape with clusters of deep violet-lavender flowers featuring orange-yellow centers. The blooms, which appear in the first year, have 45-100 rays and typically flower from August through October. In late summer, the flowers emit a slightly sweet scent, and the leaves release a spicy aroma when crushed. The plant attracts a variety of pollinators, including birds, butterflies, and moths, thanks to its nectar and pollen.
The delicate violet-lavender, daisy-like flowers also make beautiful cut flowers for bouquets. Additionally, the New England Aster serves as a host plant for the pearl crescent and checkerspot butterflies.
This plant prefers full sun or partial shade and grows to a mature height of 2-5 feet, with a spread of 1-3 feet. It can tolerate sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but thrives best in rich, moist, well-drained soil.
New England Aster features 1-3 hairy stems and lance-shaped leaves that are hairy, firm, up to 4 inches long, and ¾ inch wide. The leaves are arranged alternately and are toothless, with auricles (ear-like projections) at their base that clasp the stem.
As the flowers fade and dry, they produce seeds with a fluffy pappus attached, which aids in wind dispersal. Various animals, including sparrows, goldfinches, ruffed grouse, chipmunks, white-footed mice, and deer, enjoy the seeds.
Companion plants that complement the New England Aster include low-growing ferns, sweet black-eyed Susans, and purple coneflowers. This plant is also resistant to deer and rabbits.
To maintain vigorous growth, divide the plant every three years in the spring, after the leaves have emerged.
Historically, Native Americans burned the flowers and leaves for smudging purposes. Aster tea was also used to treat earaches, stomach aches, and fevers.
