New England Aster

New England American-aster is large and showy. The perennial's hairy, clasping leaves are arranged densely on its stout stems. Showy, bright, rose-purple flowers with orange-yellow centers bloom in profusion at the tips of the leafy branches. Nectar source for Monarch butterflies, Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) an Checkerspot butterflies. Flowers last until frost. Maintenance of this plant include dividing root systems every several years to keep the plant growing vigorously. Often seen growing with Goldenrods in old fields undergoing natural succession.