Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
A tall, showy, late-blooming aster with abundant deep purple to pink-rayed flowers and golden-yellow centres. One of the most important fall nectar sources for migrating Monarch butterflies and a keystone late-season pollinator plant throughout eastern North America.
Bloom & Fruit
Masses of deep purple to rose-pink daisy-like flowers, 2.5-5 cm across, with 40-100 narrow ray florets surrounding a golden-yellow centre disc. One of the showiest and most abundant fall wildflowers. Blooms peak in September.
Growing Conditions
Garden Uses
- Pollinator HostAttracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Plant near vegetable gardens to boost pollination.
Where to Buy
Ecology
Native Habitats
Associated Fauna
Propagation
- Seed (cold-moist stratification 30 days)
- Division (spring or fall)
Details
Description
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae is among the tallest and showiest of the native asters, reaching 60-180 cm in height with a robust, hairy stem and numerous lance-shaped, clasping leaves. It forms substantial clumps over time, with multiple flowering stems emerging from a woody crown. The species was formerly placed in the genus Aster and is still widely known as Aster novae-angliae.
The flowers are a hallmark of early autumn: abundant, deep purple to rose-pink daisy-like blooms 2.5-5 cm across, each with 40-100 narrow ray florets surrounding a bright golden-yellow disc. The sheer number of flowers per plant — often 50 or more on a mature specimen — creates a vivid colour mass from late summer through the first hard frosts. Flowers close at night and on overcast days.
Growing Conditions
Thrives in full sun and moist to mesic, well-drained soils. Adaptable to a wide range of soil types including sand, loam, and clay. Naturally found in moist meadows, prairie edges, streambanks, roadsides, and open woodlands. More moisture-tolerant than many other asters; performs best with consistent soil moisture but tolerates drought once established.
Hardy from Zone 3 through Zone 8. Widespread and abundant throughout Ontario, from the Carolinian zone through the boreal transition. In garden settings, plants may need staking or pinching back in early summer (before July) to promote bushier growth and prevent flopping. Self-seeds readily in favourable conditions.
Phenology
Emerges in mid-spring. Stems elongate through early summer, with flower buds forming by August. Peak bloom occurs from late August through October, continuing until killed by hard frost — making it one of the latest-flowering native perennials. Seed heads (achenes with pappus) mature from September through November and are dispersed by wind. Foliage dies back after hard frost. The woody crown overwinters; old stems may persist through winter.
Ecology
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae is a critical fall nectar source. Its late bloom period coincides with the southward migration of Monarch butterflies, providing essential fuel for their journey to Mexico. The flowers are visited by an enormous diversity of pollinators including native bees (Bombus and solitary species), honey bees, butterflies, moths, wasps, beetles, and flies. It is widely considered one of the single most valuable pollinator plants in eastern North America.
The seeds are consumed by American Goldfinch and other finches through autumn and winter. The foliage is a larval host for several Lepidoptera, including the Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos). Dense clumps provide cover for small birds and insects. The plant is browsed by deer and rabbits, particularly young growth.
Propagation
Seeds require 30 days of cold-moist stratification. Sow in fall or stratify for spring planting. Germination is typically excellent. Seedlings grow quickly and often flower in their first year if started early. Mature clumps may be divided in spring or fall every 3-4 years to maintain vigour and control size. Plants may self-seed prolifically if flower heads are not deadheaded.