Rain Garden Plants: New England Aster

Distinguishable from other asters by its larger compound flowers (up to 1.5 inches). Flowers vary from pink to purple and have golden centers. Leaves are 4 to 5 inches long, very hairy, lance-oblong in shape, and have mostly smooth margins. Leaves clasp the stem, nearly encircling it. Often appears messy by the fall due to drought, insects, and disease. Tall plants may need staking. Attracts bees and butterflies. Important food source for migrating monarchs. Host plant for the pearl crescent and checkerspot butterflies. Resistant to deer browse.

Photo by Connie Schmotzer, Penn State Extension

Photo by Jodi Sulpizio, Penn State Extension

Height: 36 to 72 inches
Bloom color: Purple with yellow center
Bloom time: August to October
Hardiness zone: 3 to 9
Salt tolerance: Low to moderate
Spreading habit: Rhizomes; spreads vegetatively

Photo by Jodi Sulpizio, Penn State Extension

Site Conditions

Sun: Sun/partial shade
Soil: Acidic (pH < 6.8); well-drained; tolerates dry and clay soils
Hydrologic zones: Moist; limited inudation tolerance

Sources

Illinois Wildflowers

The Morton Arboretum

Prepared by Jessica Chou, Jodi Sulpizio, and Constance Schmotzer.