March 12, 20264 min read
New England Aster: The Last Meal of the Season
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
Botanical name
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
Sun
Full sun
Soil
Average to moist
Height
3 – 6 ft
Bloom time
September – October
Pollinators supported
Migrating monarchs · Native bees · Honeybees · Skippers
When almost everything else is finished, New England Aster bursts into deep purple. It is a critical fuel stop for monarchs heading south to Mexico in September and October.
Pinch stems back by half in early July to keep plants compact and encourage more flowers.
Plant with Goldenrod for the classic purple-and-yellow Hudson Valley fall meadow.
Want this plant in your yard?
If it's milkweed, we'll give it to you free. Otherwise, we'll point you to local sources of true native plants — no nursery cultivars, no neonicotinoids.
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