Practical
Plants

Aster novae-angliae

New England Aster

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Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Aster
Life cycle
perennial
Height
1.5 m
Spread
1 m
Fertility
self fertile
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Bees, Flies, Beetles, Lepidoptera, Self

Uses

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

The root is analgesic, astringent, expectorant and febrifuge[7]. A poultice has been used in the treatment of pain, fevers and diarrhoea[7]. The ooze of the roots has been sniffed in the treatment of catarrh[7]. A decoction of the whole plant has been used in the treatment of all kinds of fevers and in the treatment of weak skin[7].

Environment

Range
Eastern N. America. Naturalized in several areas of Britain[3].
Habitat
Not known
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 2+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in spring in a cold frame. Do not allow the compost to become dry. Pre-chilling the seed for two weeks can improve germination rates[2]. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks at 20°c[2]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn[5]. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted straight into their permanent positions whist smaller clumps are best potted up and kept in a cold frame until they are growing away well. Basal cuttings in late spring. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.

Cultivation

Succeeds in most good garden soils[1], preferring one that is well-drained and moisture retentive[5]. Prefers a sunny position[5], but it also succeeds in partial shade[6]. Prefers a rich soil[1], but tolerates poor ones[6]. Plants are hardy to about -25°c[4]. A polymorphic species, there are many named varieties selected for their ornamental value[5]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[5]. Plants need to be divided every few years, preferably in the spring, in order to keep the plant vigorous[4]. Most species in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[6]. Attracts butterflies and moths, it is also a good bee plant providing nectar in autumn[8].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  2. Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan. 1988-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  3. Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962-00-00

    ↩

  4. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9

    ↩1↩2

  5. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  6. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

    ↩1↩2↩3

  7. Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  8. Carter D. Butterflies and Moths in Britain and Europe. Pan 1982-00-00 ISBN 0-330-26642-x

    ↩

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