Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
Record ID:80Naming |
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| Botanical Name: | Symphyotrichum novae-angliae |
| Common Names: | Michaelmas Daisy, Late Purple Aster |
| Key Name: | New England Aster |
| Parts Used: | Leaves, flowers, roots |
| Sister Plants: | Symphyotrichum ericoides, Solidago spp., Rudbeckia spp. |
| Comments: | Perennial herb highly attractive to pollinators; thrives in meadows and gardens |
Characteristics |
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| Identifying Character: | Perennial (2-6 ft), erect hairy stem, lance-shaped leaves with serrated edges, violet-purple flower heads with yellow centers (1-2 in), blooming late summer to fall |
| Stem: | Erect, 2-6 ft, hairy, green to reddish-purple |
| Leaves: | Lance-shaped, 2-5 inches, serrated, dark green |
| Flowers: | Violet-purple flower heads with yellow centers, 1-2 in, blooming August-October |
| Fruit: | Small achenes with white pappus, 1-2 mm |
| Taste: | Bitter (leaves), mild (flowers) |
| Odour: | Mild, sweet scent from flowers |
| Root: | Fibrous root system, spreads via rhizomes |
| Image: |
Image URL: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse3.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.yLPuhuLNh6psorxG6AjTVwHaE8%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=bd4bb2d5ae4bc3f652abc7f0b3b9310687cb15f990628495ec634f7696c42592&ipo=images |
Distribution |
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| Distribution: | Native to eastern North America, naturalized elsewhere |
| Cultivation: | Plant in full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil; sow seeds in fall or spring; space 12-18 inches apart; water moderately until established, tolerates drought |
| Harvest: | Leaves/Flowers: Late summer to fall (August-October); Roots: Fall |
Medical |
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| Therapeutic Action: | Astringent, expectorant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory |
| Medical Uses: | Used for respiratory issues, urinary tract support, inflammation, and as a mild astringent; roots for colds, leaves for tea |
| Constituents: | Flavonoids, phenolic compounds, essential oils |
| Solvents: | Water, alcohol (tincture) |
| Dosage: | Infusion: 1 tsp dried leaves/flowers in hot water, 1-2 times daily; Tincture: 1-2 mL three times daily |
| Administration: | Internal: Infusion or tincture; External: Poultice for inflammation |
| Formulas: | |
| Contra Indications: | May cause allergic reactions (e.g., hay fever); avoid in pregnancy; consult healthcare provider |
| Preparation: | Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried leaves/flowers in hot water 10 min; Tincture: Steep 1 part herb in 5 parts alcohol for 2-4 weeks |
| Chinese: | No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine |
| Veterinary: | Used for wound treatment or digestive support in livestock |
| Homeopathic: | No known homeopathic use documented |
Pollination and Pollinators |
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| Apis: | No |
| Pollinator: | 1 |
| Pollen: | Yes |
| Pollen Notes: | Pollen attracts bees, butterflies; some self-pollination |
| Nectar: | Yes |
| Nectar Notes: | Nectar-rich, attracts bees, butterflies, late-season pollinators |
Other |
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| Non-Medical Uses: | Ornamental, erosion control, wildlife habitat |
| Culinary Uses: | Young leaves and flowers edible in salads (use sparingly) |
| History: | Used by Native Americans for medicine; adopted in European gardens since 18th century |
| Reference: | Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS |
| URL: | https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Symphyotrichum+novae-angliae |
| Share: | Private |