Specimen record
New England Aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
Description
The showiest of New England's fall asters, this tall wildflower produces abundant large flower heads in rich shades of deep purple to violet with golden-yellow disk centers. It is the dominant roadside wildflower in September across central Massachusetts. The sticky, hairy stems and clasping leaf bases distinguish it from the many other aster species that bloom at the same time.
Identification tips
- 1Large flower heads (2.5–4 cm) with deep purple to violet rays and golden-yellow disk
- 2Stems and leaves conspicuously hairy and sticky (glandular)
- 3Leaf bases clasp the stem (auriculate) — wrapping partway around it
- 4Grows 60–180 cm tall, often leaning or flopping under the weight of flowers
- 5Blooms September–October in sunny roadsides and meadow edges
Specimen & preservation notes
Press a flowering stem tip with several flower heads and clasping leaves. Purple ray color fades to pale lavender-blue when dried — note the fresh color on the label. The sticky stems will adhere to pressing paper; use waxed paper as a barrier.
Collection calendar
| Wk | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||||||||
| 2 | ||||||||
| 3 | ||||||||
| 4 |
Collection notes
Season check
Guide window matches observed bloom.
Flowering records: 420 iNaturalist observations, Massachusetts · Nearby: 383 observations within 25 km