New York Aster
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii
In the wild, New York Aster is generally found in marshes and other moist but often nutrient-poor locations, which in turn makes it a tough and salt-tolerant plant for a perennial border planting. As with other asters, New York Aster aster can be used as a perennial substitute for the commonly used “fall mum” chrysanthemums, since it has a similarly showy floral display. The purple flowers of this species open in late summer to early fall, beckoning pollinators of all kinds and welcoming the change of seasons with cheery and bright blooms.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade; moist, well-drained soils
Size: 3′ – 5′ tall, 1′ – 2′ spread
Zone: 4 – 8
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract wide variety of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, including specialist bees; larval host plant for several butterfly and moth species, including the Pearl Crescent
