Symphyotrichum (Aster) novae-angliae
New England Aster
General
A tall aster with showy, bright purple flowers blooming in fall. Can spread via rhizomes once planted. These flowers attract birds and pollinators. Historically, New England Aster has been used for medicinal purposes, including to treat poison ivy rash.
Plant Description
Bright purple compound flowers bloom in dense clusters in autumn, usually around 100 blossoms per plant. The foliage and stems are hairy, and the leaves are lance-shaped and narrowly pointed. The stems can be a deep, bright reddish-purple that stands out almost as much as the blossoms. The flowers will form a fluffy seed head in November.
Height (ft)
3-5'
Soil moisture
Medium, Well drained
Soil types
Moist, rich soils
Wetland indicator
FACW-
Shade tolerance
Intolerant, Full Sun
Bloom color
Purple
Bloom period
Fall
Drought tolerance
Low
Salinity tolerance
Low
Range
Throughout the United States, from Maine south along the Appalachian mountains to Alabama and Mississippi, and west from there until the Great Plains, mostly avoiding the Mississippi River Delta, and some disjunct populations in the Rocky Mountains. Some introduced populations in Utah, Washington, Oregon, and California.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]
Additional Information
According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, used by the Cherokee in a poultice of the roots for pain and an infusion taken for fevers. The Chippewa would smoke the roots in a pipe as a charm to attract game. The Iroquois would use a decoction of the roots and leaves for fevers and as a love medicine. The Meskwaki and Potawatomi used this plant to revive from being unconscious.