New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) A Native Wildflower Worth Knowing. New England Aster is a tall, showy perennial wildflower native across much of North America, prized for its rich violet- to pinkish-purple blooms with bright yellow centers from late summer into fall. Key Characteristics. Height & form: Typically grows 3-6 ft tall (sometimes up […]
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Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) Taxonomy: Family: Asteraceae (Aster family) Genus: Symphyotrichum Species: oblongifolium Common names: Aromatic Aster, Oblong-leaved Aster There’s something enigmatic about Aromatic Aster. It’s one of those late-season native plants that refuses to fade quietly. Just when most wildflowers are shutting down for the year, Symphyotrichum oblongifolium bursts into
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Heartleaf Aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium) Heartleaf Aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium) is also known as Bluewood Aster. Certainly, this species is one of the most abundant, reliable and flexible native wildflowers you can grow. Aster cordifolium brings a soft lavender-blue glow to the autumn landscape — shining bright in both woodland shade and full sun. It’s a favorite
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Flat Top Aster (Döellingera umbellatus) Flat-Top Aster (Döellingera umbellata) Taxonomy: Family: Asteraceae (Aster family) Genus: Döellingera Species: umbellata Common names: Flat-Top Aster, Parasol Aster. Few plants catch you off guard the way Flat-Top Aster does—especially when you find it blooming in the least expected places, like the edges of damp country roads or low-lying ditches.
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Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve): Beautiful, Tough, and Apparently Delicious to Bunnies. Smooth Blue Aster—formerly known as Aster laevis—is one of the loveliest late-season native wildflowers in the Northeast. With soft blue petals and a clean, upright form, it brings gentle color into the fall garden just when most blooms are fading. Bees, butterflies, and
Aster: an Introduction to the Genus. When most spring + summer garden flowers have faded, native Asters take center stage—bursting into bloom in late summer and early fall just when pollinators need them most. These specifically cheerful, star-like blossoms paint fields and gardens in shades of violet, lavender, blue, pink and white. Finally, Asters in
Fall Garden Plants. Fall is really the best time of the year for planting perennials, trees and shrubs. In the spring and summer, plants are concerned with their aerial parts growth and procreation. In the warmer months, plants pay less attention to their root development. There are good reasons to plant during these warm months,
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Calico Aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorus) – A Late-Season Pollinator Magnet Calico Aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorus) is a charming native perennial that blooms in the final act of the growing season. Common across eastern North America, it thrives in woodland edges, meadows, roadsides, and other semi-shaded habitats. This small-flowered aster is an essential part of the native fall
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Do Deer Eat Mums? The answer to the question, “Do deer eat Mums?” Is a quick, “Yes.” Of course, they do. Why wouldn’t they? They’re hungry and Mums are abundant, freshly planted and bland as heck. Why do you want to plant Mums anyway? Here’s a better question. “Why do you want to plant Mums