Meet a PRAIRIE PLANT: Aster novae-angliae (NEW ENGLAND ASTER)

 MEET A PRAIRIE PLANT:

New England Aster, a tall, fall bloomer of almost all prairie sites except those of the driest conditions. 

Its deep blue-ish purple to light purple flowers bloom late into the fall months! Their rich orange-yellow centers are a vital source of nectar for Monarchs prior to their southern migration to Mexico, too. Aster novae-angliae can grow to heights of 5ft or more, as it's one of the tallest of the Aster species. 

The color palate of the New England Aster complements the typical cool season orange-yellows, making it a unique and attractive garden focal point. Often, the lower leaves dry(as seen in the photo), but it is not cause for alarm as it's very characteristic of this plant; Aster novae-angliae is extremely drought tolerant, so if this plant isn't in a perfect moist-mesic soil, it will always show some signs of lower structural drying. The plant shown above was planted as an "orphan"(a throw away plant, left over from seeding but given a chance...) in one of the most inhospitable settings: into a mostly shaded, clay based soil and surrounded by crushed limestone alongside a path upon which heavy foot and small machinery traffic regularly occur, and look at it; it's still a beauty!) Long live the NEW ENGLAND ASTER!