Species PlantsNew England Aster

New England Aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

CommonPlant
Illustration of New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

New England Aster is a tall, robust wildflower that produces masses of deep purple flowers with golden centers in late summer and fall. It is one of the most important late-season nectar sources for monarch butterflies fueling up for their migration to Mexico. It grows in moist meadows and forest edges across eastern North America.

Habitat
Moist meadows, prairie edges, and open forest margins
Diet
Critical late-season nectar for migrating monarchs, bees, and beetles
How common
Common

Best time to see a New England Aster

The best time to see a New England Aster is September, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 25,949 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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