Three Acre Tablea garden, a kitchen, a good excuse to gather
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
Plate — illustration to come
Native · New Jersey

New England Aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

Perennial flower

The tall violet-pink daisy that ends the season. Blooms when almost nothing else is blooming, on stiff dark stems that stand up to fall wind, and holds nectar late enough to matter to migrating monarchs.

At a glance

The spec sheet.

Habitat
Moist meadows, roadsides, low fields — common across NJ
Bloom time
September – October
Sun
Full sun
Soil
Rich, medium to moist; tolerates clay
Moisture
Medium to moist
Height
3–6 feet
For the wildlife

What it attracts.

The species that visit, feed on, or depend on this plant — and how they use it.

  • Migrating monarchs

    Nectar source

    Critical fall fuel for the migration south

  • Bumblebees & solitary bees

    Nectar source

  • Painted lady & other late butterflies

    Nectar source

  • Specialist aster bees

    Pollen source

    Andrena and Colletes species that only visit asters

Notes on growing

Pinch back by half in early June for a denser, self-supporting plant that doesn't flop. Give it room — it's a 5-foot presence at the back of a border, not an edging plant.

Sources

Xerces Society · Jersey-Friendly Yards · Native Plant Society of NJ

Blooms with

Other natives in bloom now.