Description

A branching plant with slender, mostly smooth stems bearing narrow leaves and numerous flower heads with blue-violet to rose (sometimes white) rays surrounding a yellow or reddish central disk. Attracts butterflies. Larval host to pearl crescent. Special value to native bees. Differentiated from New England aster in that New England aster is generally taller and has a hairy stem. New York aster is more bushy and compact, and has more flowers. Height: 3-5 ft. Spread: 3 ft. Family: Asteraceae Bloom time: August to September Sun: full sun Water: medium Naturalize, rain garden According to Rutgers University, asters are “seldom severely damaged” by deer.