New York Aster |
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Large blue-violet asters (up to 1 1/2”) with yellow to red centers bloom on freely branching plants from late July through October, long narrow leaves up to 6” long clasp the stem, spreads by creeping roots, attracts butterflies, average to wet soil, sun, 3’ tall.
Asters are food plant for caterpillars of butterflies such as Silvery Checkerspot (Melitaea nycteis) and Painted Crescent (Phyciodes picta)
Zone 4-8
Native range: Newfoundland to s. Quebec, south through Pennsylvania to South Carolina – mostly found within 100 miles of the ocean. Rare in PA