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New England aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

The New England aster is a beautiful purple flower that blooms in late summer and fall. It attracts butterflies and bees, making gardens lively and colorful!

Habitat: Meadows

Appearance

The New England aster has vibrant purple-pink ray petals surrounding a sunny yellow-orange central disk, creating a daisy-like appearance. Its sturdy, hairy stems are covered in lance-shaped green leaves, often appearing bushy and upright.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusSymphyotrichum
New England aster
deciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgesummer_blooming trait badgecolorful trait badge
New England aster

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Its fluffy seed heads look like tiny white dandelion puffs after blooming!

Native Americans used its leaves to make a soothing tea.

Some butterflies travel thousands of miles to find these late-season flowers!

This aster's roots help clean the soil and can even stop erosion.

Special abilities

Ability

Vibrant Beacon

New England aster can attract many pollinators with its bright purple flowers, ensuring successful reproduction.

Ability

Fall Feeder

New England aster has late-season blooms that provide vital nectar for insects preparing for winter or migration.

Ability

Tough Traveler

New England aster has strong, fibrous roots that help it withstand various soil conditions and droughts.

Measurements & details

Height
90-180 cm
Spread
30-90 cm
Flower Size
2-5 cm
Bloom Season
Late summer to fall
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

collects nectar and pollen

pollinates

Monarch butterfly

Danaus plexippus

fuels migration with nectar

pollinates

Common Eastern bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

active during its late bloom

eats

Differential grasshopper

Melanoplus differentialis

feeds on leaves and stems

Traits

Also known as

Purple Aster

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch flowers in the wild, as some may be delicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is New England aster?

90-180 cm

How wide does New England aster spread?

30-90 cm

How big are the flowers on New England aster?

2-5 cm

When does New England aster bloom?

Late summer to fall

Is New England aster edible?

Yes

Is New England aster toxic?

None

What is New England aster's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is New England aster pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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