Minnesota Wildflowers


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Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster)

Plant Info
Also known as:
Genus:Symphyotrichum
Family:Asteraceae (Aster)
Life cycle:perennial
Origin:native
Habitat:part shade, sun; moist fields, along roads, edges of woods
Bloom season:August - October
Plant height:3 to 7 feet
USDA PLANTS database:Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:

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Detailed Information

Flower: 7+petals panicle

[photo of flowers] Flowers are 1 to 1½ inches across, 40 or more narrow petals (ray flowers), purple to rose pink, with a yellow center that turns golden then reddish purple with maturity. One plant has from a few to many flower heads branching off near the top of the plant.

[photo of bract] The bracts are very narrow, covered in short hairs, and fold back away from the flower head.

Leaves and stem: alternate simple

[photo of leaves] Leaves are fairly narrow, 1 to 4 inches long and ½ to 1 inch wide, tapering to a pointed or rounded tip, toothless, and clasp the main stem. The texture on the upper surface is rough; the underside is more softly hairy. The leaves on the lower part of the plant drop off early, leaving a bare stem; leaves on the upper part of the plant are often densely packed. Attachment is alternate. The main stem is covered in stiff hairs and is reddish.

Notes:

New England Aster is one of the last flowers to bloom in the season. I've seen it grow to 6 feet tall or more when cultivated, but those I've seen in the wild haven't been taller than 5 feet.

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Map of native plant purveyors in the upper midwest

More photos

Photos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN and Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Coon Rapids, MN September 2005 and September-October 2007

Comments

Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?

Posted by: Joe in Hennepin Co.
on: 2010-09-06 21:18:48

This is a good, colorful fall bloomer, with occasional pale pink flowers along with the usual purple or rose-pink. It can become aggressive, and volunteers sprout readily in the garden. Bees love the flowers and birds love the seeds.

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