Symphyotrichum (Aster) novi-belgii (New York Aster) Unity Grown

Symphyotrichum novi-belgii (syn. Aster novi-belgii) is a native perennial aster, also called New York aster, that grows to 1-4' tall in brackish and freshwater marshes and other locations with wetter soils across much of the eastern seaboard of North America, from South Carolina north to the Atlantic provinces of Canada. New York aster, like many showy asters of the northeast, produces late-season flowers from the end of summer to the fall in shades of white, pale blue, or purple with yellow center domes; flowers are attractive to a variety of pollinators as well as birds once flowers turn to seed.

Preferring full-sun locations with average soils, Symphyotrichum novi-belgii can also tolerate part shade, inundation, and a variety of soil conditions, including nutritionally poor soils and ones rich in clay. In addition to pollinator appeal, New York aster is an important host plant for several butterfly species, including the silvery checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) and pearl crescent (Phyciodes tharos) butterflies. And beyond ecological appeal in general, Symphyotrichum novi-belgii is a great solution planting choice too, as they tolerate salt exposure, perpetually wet or poor soils, and deer and rabbit damage.