Symphyotrichum novi-belgii (New York Aster)

A confirmed favorite among late-season pollinators, New York aster's dense growth habit makes it a proven choice for erosion control along waterways, drawing bees and migrating butterflies in numbers during a period when many other nectar sources have already faded.

Species Overview

Symphyotrichum novi-belgii, or New York aster, is a showy perennial wildflower native to wet meadows, streambanks, and lowlands across eastern North America, growing 2 to 4 feet tall. Clusters of vibrant purple to lavender flowers with yellow centers bloom from late summer into fall above a dense, upright growth habit.

Application

• Erosion control along waterways and wet meadow edges - dense growth habit
• Late-season pollinator garden plantings
• Streambank and lowland wet-meadow restoration
• Naturalized moist-soil border plantings

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Moist to moderately well-drained soils; wet meadows and streambanks
• Plant Type: Forb
• Mature Height: 2-4 ft.
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None
• Bloom Color / Period: Purple; August-October
• Wetland Indicator Status: NI (No Indicator) - see flags
• Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list)
• Hydrology: Mesic-Moist
• Root Depth: Shallow (Under 12 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Rapid
• Drought Tolerance: Low
• Deer Resistance: Some
• Flood Tolerance: Moderate - A rhizomatous, moist meadow and wetland-margin aster tolerant of periodically wet soil.
• Shade Tolerance: Intermediate
• Growth Habit: Spreading - rhizomatous
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
• Pollinator Value: Supports bees, supports butterflies

Planting Guidance

• Dense growth habit provides genuine erosion-control value along stream and pond banks in addition to its ornamental late-season display.