Plant Description
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is a native perennial in New Jersey, celebrated for its stunning blooms that brighten late-summer and fall landscapes. This hardy plant can grow up to 6 feet tall, with hairy, clasping leaves densely arranged along stout stems. Its profuse flowers, with bright rose-purple petals and orange-yellow centers, bloom at the tips of its leafy branches. The flower colors range from lavender to blue to white, with some commercially grown pink varieties (Jersey-Friendly Yards).
Thriving in full sun to partial shade, New England Aster prefers moist, well-drained soils. Its late-season blooms provide essential nectar for pollinators, including bees and butterflies, while the plant also serves as a host for the Pearl Crescent butterfly larvae. Adding this aster to your garden not only enhances its beauty but also supports local ecosystems (Jersey-Friendly Yards).
