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Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

New England aster

Asteraceae central and eastern North America

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 3–8

Overview

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae is a clump-forming perennial native to central and eastern North America, growing 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) tall on stout, hairy stems. The lance-shaped leaves are 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, hairy, and clasp the stem at their bases. From late summer into autumn the stems are topped by branching clusters of daisy-like flower heads 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across, each with 40 to 100 narrow ray florets in shades of purple, violet, or rose-pink around a yellow center that ages to reddish. The flowers open over many weeks and draw large numbers of bees and migrating butterflies, including monarchs fueling their autumn migration. S. novae-angliae grows in moist meadows, prairies, ditches, and stream banks on fertile soils, and tolerates heavy clay better than many perennials. The lower leaves often yellow and drop by bloom time, especially in dry summers. Tall stems may flop without support or a midsummer cutback. The plant spreads by short rhizomes into wider clumps and self-sows where the ground is open.

Native Range

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae is native to central and eastern North America, from Quebec and Alberta south to Georgia and New Mexico. It grows in moist prairies, meadows, marsh edges, and roadsides on fertile, damp soils.

Suggested Uses

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae is grown in perennial borders, meadow and prairie plantings, rain gardens, and pollinator gardens. Its late bloom suits plantings meant to feed bees and butterflies into autumn. It combines with grasses and goldenrods in naturalized settings.

How to Identify

Look for tall, hairy stems with clasping, lance-shaped leaves and dense autumn clusters of daisy heads. Each head has many narrow purple to rose-pink rays around a yellow center. The stems and leaves feel rough and slightly sticky to the touch.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 6'

Width/Spread2' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Summer Fall

Flowering occurs from late summer into mid autumn, roughly August to October. The purple to pink daisy heads open over six to eight weeks and close at night and in dull weather. Bloom continues until hard frost in many regions.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

purple to rose-pink

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Symphyotrichum novae-angliae in full sun to part shade in moist, fertile soil; it tolerates clay and seasonal wetness that many perennials cannot. Steady moisture keeps the lower leaves from yellowing and dropping before bloom. Cutting the stems back by half in early summer produces shorter, bushier plants that need no staking. Crowded clumps develop powdery mildew on the lower leaves, so dividing every two or three years keeps growth open. The plant spreads by rhizome and self-seeds, which can be limited by removing seed heads. Division in spring renews vigor and controls the clump size.

Pruning

Cutting the stems back by one third to one half in late spring or early summer keeps plants compact and reduces flopping. Spent flower heads can be removed to limit self-seeding or left to feed birds. Stems are cut to the ground after frost.