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New England Aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

Also listed as Aster novae-angliae, Lasallea novae-angliae

Also known as Michaelmas Daisy, Hairy Michaelmas-daisy, Wild Prairie Aster

herbaceous☀️ full sun💧💧 moderate water❄ Hardy: Zone 4a – Zone 8b

Climate Match for your location

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A tall native perennial with daisy-like purple or pink flowers that bloom prolifically in late summer and fall. Excellent for cutting and attracts pollinators; spreads readily and is easy to grow.

Why grow it

New England aster offers reliable late-season color when many other perennials have faded, making it valuable for extending the bloom window into fall. Compared to other native asters, this species produces denser flower clusters and reaches greater height (3-6 feet), suiting it for back-of-border positions or screening. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and moisture levels once established, though it performs best in full sun with moderate water availability.

Watch out for

Plants benefit from dividing every 2-3 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding, as mature clumps can become woody and flower less prolifically. In rich, heavily amended soils, plants may grow excessively tall and flop over without staking or support. The dense foliage can develop mildew in humid conditions with poor air circulation, so adequate spacing and pruning of lower branches improves air flow.

Overview

Form
Upright
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
3–6′ tall × 2–4′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous
Family
Asteraceae
Pollinators & beneficial insects

Native to the United States

Native Range

Eastern North America

Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

Fall

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Companion Planting

Plants well with