Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

New England Aster is a deciduous, sometimes woody perennial that oftentimes appears as a small shrub. Plant at least 12 inches apart in a sunny location with good drainage. This plant tends to grow rapidly, so make sure to give it room to grow! Leaves are rough, alternate, and hairy with smooth leaf margins, and will die back in colder months. Enjoy beautiful showy purple or pink blooms throughout much of fall. Plants have both male and female reproductive organs on the same flower but having more than one New England Aster nearby helps with cross-pollination. The nectar is enjoyed by many pollinators such as bees, wasps, beetles, and butterflies! It is a host plant for Pearl Crescent caterpillars and Monarch butterflies love visiting the flowers. Around October, flowers give way and turn into seed heads, showing achenes that are enjoyed by many songbirds and small mammals. Even though birds may enjoy the seeds, deer tend to avoid this plant to find something a bit more palatable.