This is a native plant, but it is not available in the 2026 Wild Ones plant sale.
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New York Aster
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii
PerennialNew York Aster
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii
Tap to flip backGrowing Conditions
Light
Sun – Part Shade
Water
Medium
Soil
Any
Size
3-4'
Bloom
Blue-Violet, Aug–Oct
Why Grow It
Pollinator Magnet
Attracts many types of pollinators
Late Bloomer
Provides nectar when others have faded
Caterpillar Host
Feeds caterpillars of native moths & butterflies
Did You Know?
New York Aster is a larval host for both the Silvery Checkerspot and Pearl Crescent butterflies.
The species name 'novi-belgii' means 'of New Belgium' — the old Dutch name for New York, where it was first described by European botanists.
It is the ancestor of most garden Michaelmas daisies, having been bred in Europe since the 1700s into hundreds of cultivars.
Wildlife Value
🦋
Pearl Crescent Butterfly
Larval host plant for caterpillars
🐝
Honey Bees & Native Bees
Dense flower clusters provide abundant fall nectar
🐦
Song Sparrow
Forages for seeds and insects in aster stands
Good Companions
🌿 Mad Dog Skullcap
🌼 Golden Alexanders
🌸 Joe-Pye Weed
🌾 Switchgrass
Planting Guide
- Plant in full sun to part shade in moist soil.
- Space 18-24 inches apart; thrives in wet meadows.
- Divide clumps every 2-3 years to maintain vigor.
Heads Up
Spreads by Root
Spreads quickly; may need containment
Plant Details
Made with ♥ by Lu Li