New England Aster

Aster novae-angliae

New England Aster is a large variety of the upright native perennial that can grow as tall as 6 feet.  It sports a hairy stem and rough, hairy lance-like green leaves that are deer resistant.  The large, purple flowers with orange-yellow centers start to bloom in late summer and typically continue until the first frost. Its flowers are attractive to butterflies.  New England Aster prefers full sun and rich, moist soils.

New England Aster has a history of being used as a poultice to treat pain and fever, or as a tea to relax respiratory spasms or asthma.* 

MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  Medium Maintenance Plant.  Large stalks may need staking, or to be pinched back several times before mid-July to control height and promote bushiness to alleviate the need for stakes. Pinching back will delay flowering.  Susceptible to powdery mildew if in poorly-drained soil.  Cut stalks after flowering to prevent self-seeding.

LANDSCAPE USES: Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Wildlife Gardens, Naturalized Areas, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS: Goldenrod,  Marsh Blazing Star, Big Bluestem

IMAGES:  Photos by  Frank Mayfield, Aster novae-angliae NEW ENGLAND ASTER Photo set  (1)  (2)  (3)  (4)

*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.

*ServeScape does not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.