New York Aster, Michaelmas Daisy
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, Order: Asterales, Family: Asteraceae, Genus: Symphyotrichum, Species: S. novi-belgii · Asteraceae (Daisy or Sunflower family) · Simple; the specimen shown is a flower head with ray florets, but the plant bears simple, alternate leaves.
Species
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii
Leaf Type
Simple; the specimen shown is a flower head with ray florets, but the plant bears simple, alternate leaves.
Family
Asteraceae (Daisy or Sunflower family)
Shape
The primary leaves of this species are typically lanceolate to linear-lanceolate.
Size
Leaves are typically 2 to 6 inches long; the flower head shown is approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
Margin
The leaves usually have entire to slightly serrated margins; ray florets in the image have notched tips.
Arrangement
Alternate along the stem.
Rarity
Very Common; frequently used in landscaping and found abundantly in the wild in its native range.
Color & Pattern
The ray florets are deep purple/violet with a yellow central disk; foliage is typically a deep matte green.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation with a prominent midvein on the true leaves.
Texture & Surface
Leaves are generally smooth and somewhat succulent or fleshy compared to other asters.
Description
A perennial herbaceous plant reaching 1-4 feet in height. It produces a profusion of daisy-like flowers with violet-purple ray petals and yellow centers in late summer and autumn. The stems are branched and typically smooth.
Key Features
Smooth (non-hairy) stems, fleshy lance-shaped leaves, and vibrant violet flowers that bloom late in the season.
Habitat
Typically found in moist fields, meadows, salt marshes, and along shorelines.
Geographic Range
Native to eastern North America; widely naturalized and cultivated in Europe and Asia.
Condition Notes
The specimen is a pressed herbarium sample in fair condition; some ray petals are overlapping or slightly damaged from the pressing process.
Interesting Facts
It was one of the first North American plants to be sent back to Europe for ornamental use in the 17th century.
Medicinal & Uses
Primarily used as an ornamental garden plant. Historically, some Indigenous North American tribes used various aster species for respiratory tea.
Ecological Role
Critical late-season nectar source for migrating Monarch butterflies and bees.
Similar Species
Symphyotrichum laeve (Smooth Blue Aster) which has glaucous foliage, or Symphyotrichum puniceum (Swamp Aster) which has hairy stems.
Foraging Tips
Look for these in late September and October when most other wildflowers have faded. They are often found in damp soils near water edges.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans and common pets, though some individuals may experience mild skin irritation from handling foliage.