New England Aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
Michaelmas Daisy, Starwort, Frost flower
Description
New England Aster has a range of 1-5 roots growing from it to pull nutrients from the ground. It grows in clumps with several stems in one base. These stems are between 2-5 feet tall and are covered in white hairs. These stems have leaves that are long and thin. The leaves come to a point. They alternate going up the stem until reaching the base of the flower head. The flower ranges from shades of pink to purple. The flowers are 1.5 inches wide with between 40-100 ray-like petals surrounding the yellow center. The center is made up of smaller yellow petals pointed upwards circling the pollen and nectar in the center.
Cultural
New England Aster was used by Native Americans. It was a huge part of their culture. They used it for its medicinal value. It was originally gathered because it created a vibrant yellow dye. The Ojibwe Nation smoked the plant to attract wildlife to their camps to hunt. The Meskwaki and Fox Nations used the plant as a means to revive their unconscious. Other tribes used it as a fumigant in their purification ceremonies. It was also once widely used in medicines by Native American tribes. Many tribes ground it up, burned it over a fire, and used the smoke from it to revive people, much like smelling salts are used today.
Uses
New England aster is so widely planted because they are deer resistant. Deer are less likely to nibble on them and ruin the garden they are planted in. An infusion of the roots can also be made to help treat diarrhea and fever. Today, aster is used in tea. This tea has many health benefits like relieving gas pains, stomachaches, fevers, and respiratory problems. It has been known to provide relief for mild cases of asthma. Of course, the most popular use is in flower arrangements. The simple purple color and the daisy look complete and bouquet.
Growing Conditions
New England Aster is native to the Northeastern and Central United States as well as Southeastern Canada. It tends to grow in moist habitats such as meadows, marshes, and forest edges. There have been some cases recorded in Ontario, Canada where this flower was found to grow in dry and sandy soil.
Potential Problems & Concerns
New England Aster’s biggest problem is aster yellows. It shows itself with yellow leaves and stems. The affected plant will have stunted growth. It also will have smaller flowers. The plant can never recover from this disease. This is a disease brought on by aster leafhoppers. This is a small wedge-shaped bug. It’s quick moving and its color ranges from brown to green. This bug can be gotten rid of by close inspection and removal. Nets can also keep the leafhoppers away from the plants. This bug and disease can affect the whole garden, not just aster.
Prepared By:
Grace Zander
Created in collaboration with the UWGB Office of Sustainability, Fall 2022. For any questions, concerns, or corrections, please contact Kristopher Purzycki (English & Humanities) at purzyckk@uwgb.edu.
References
Kindscher, Kelly. Medicinal Wild Plants of the Prairie: An Ethnobotanical Guide. Google Books. University Press of Kansas, 1992.
McDonald, Jim. “New England Aster: Aster Novae-Angliae.” Traditional Roots Institute, May 1, 2013. https://traditionalroots.org/new-england-aster-aster-novae-angliae/.
Curious By Nature. “New England Aster,” September 5, 2020. https://curiousbynature.wordpress.com/tag/new-england-aster/.