Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
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| Common Names: |
Michaelmas Daisy, Late Purple Aster
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| Key Name: |
New England Aster
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| Parts Used: |
Leaves, flowers, roots
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| Sister Plants: |
Symphyotrichum ericoides, Solidago spp., Rudbeckia spp.
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| Comments: |
Perennial herb highly attractive to pollinators; thrives in meadows and gardens
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Characteristics |
| 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
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| Stem: |
Erect, 2-6 ft, hairy, green to reddish-purple
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| Leaves: |
Lance-shaped, 2-5 inches, serrated, dark green
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| Flowers: |
Violet-purple flower heads with yellow centers, 1-2 in, blooming August-October
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| Fruit: |
Small achenes with white pappus, 1-2 mm
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| Taste: |
Bitter (leaves), mild (flowers)
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| Odour: |
Mild, sweet scent from flowers
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| Root: |
Fibrous root system, spreads via rhizomes
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| Image URL: |
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Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Native to eastern North America, naturalized elsewhere
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| 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
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| Harvest: |
Leaves/Flowers: Late summer to fall (August-October); Roots: Fall
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Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Astringent, expectorant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory
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| Medical Uses: |
Used for respiratory issues, urinary tract support, inflammation, and as a mild astringent; roots for colds, leaves for tea
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| Constituents: |
Flavonoids, phenolic compounds, essential oils
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| Solvents: |
Water, alcohol (tincture)
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| Dosage: |
Infusion: 1 tsp dried leaves/flowers in hot water, 1-2 times daily; Tincture: 1-2 mL three times daily
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| Administration: |
Internal: Infusion or tincture; External: Poultice for inflammation
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| Formulas: |
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| Contra Indications: |
May cause allergic reactions (e.g., hay fever); avoid in pregnancy; consult healthcare provider
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| 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
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| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
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| Veterinary: |
Used for wound treatment or digestive support in livestock
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| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
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Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
No
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| Pollinator: |
1
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| Pollen: |
Yes
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| Pollen Notes: |
Pollen attracts bees, butterflies; some self-pollination
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| Nectar: |
Yes
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| Nectar Notes: |
Nectar-rich, attracts bees, butterflies, late-season pollinators
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Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
Ornamental, erosion control, wildlife habitat
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| Culinary Uses: |
Young leaves and flowers edible in salads (use sparingly)
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| History: |
Used by Native Americans for medicine; adopted in European gardens since 18th century
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| Reference: |
Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS
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| URL: |
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Symphyotrichum+novae-angliae
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| Share: |
Private
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