Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

New England Aster
Conservation status
Secure (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Asterales
Family:	Asteraceae
Tribe:	Astereae
Genus:	Symphyotrichum
Subgenus:	Virgulus
Species:	S. novae-angliae
Binomial name
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (L.) G.L.Nesom

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (formerly Aster novae-angliae), commonly known as the New England Aster, is an herbaceous perennial in the composite family. It is native to almost every area in North America east of the Rocky Mountains, but excluding the far north of Canada as well as some of the southern United States.

Description

The plant grows up to 120 cm with a stout, hairy stem and lance-shaped leaves with entire margins. The flower heads are showy with yellow disc florets at the center and ray florets that range from a deep purple or rose to rarely white. The New England aster inhabits a wide variety of habitats and soil types, though it does not tolerate strong shade.

Cultivation

Due to the attractive flowers, numerous cultivars have been developed. Furthermore, as a result of its increased usage in the garden, it has been introduced to many areas beyond its natural range, including Europe and several western US states.

See also

• List of Symphyotrichum species

References

Flowerhead detail