By Jade Greene
As summer’s lushness gives way to fall, the flowers still in bloom feel especially precious. Native plants like snakeroot (Ageratina altissima), goldenrods (Solidago spp.), and asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) shine as the season’s true stars. Asters, in shades from purple to white to blue and in a variety of sizes, bring both beauty to the landscape and vital support for wildlife.
About Asters:
There are over 100 species of asters native to North America. With their many-petaled blooms, these cheerful flowers provide an essential source of nectar for migrating butterflies and other pollinators as they ready themselves for the winter months.
Asters also hold a long history of traditional medicinal use. The Lenni Lenape people brew aster into healing teas to ease fever, diarrhea, and other ailments. In the Lenape language, the word tahkokënatae translates to “flower that blooms in the autumn.”
What Organisms do Asters Support?
When planning a native plant garden, it’s important to include flowers that bloom across the entire growing season (from spring through fall) so that wildlife has food at every stage of life. Early bees depend on spring blossoms, summer brings an abundance of activity, and fall is especially critical for migrating monarchs and other creatures preparing for the winter ahead. Asters are an excellent choice, flowering well into late fall and offering vital resources during this time.
In addition to their late-season blooms which benefit many generalists, asters serve as host plants for Crescentspot butterflies. Their seeds also provide valuable food for birds such as dark-eyed juncos, indigo buntings, and American goldfinches.
Asters are a keystone species in our area, supporting over 100 caterpillar species and 33 pollinator species.
Should I Plant Asters in my Yard?
Absolutely! In addition to supporting an incredible variety of wildlife, asters are wonderfully easy to grow. They thrive in a wide range of conditions: from full sun to partial shade and even along woodland edges, so there’s a spot for them somewhere in your garden. Once established, they require very little watering or maintenance.
For best results, give asters a “Chelsea chop” early in the season to keep them compact and bushy, otherwise they may grow tall and spindly.
Some great choices for Bucks County gardens include New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), Blue wood aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium), and Calico aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum), all of which can be found at a native plant nursery near you!
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