New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is a stunning plant both in its appearance and for its ecological benefit to insects. Each fall, New England aster puts on a spectacular show of deep purple flowers alongside the goldenrods. It prefers moist gardens with full or partial sun.
Asters are keystone species that support many pollinators as both nectar sources and host plants. They are larval host plants to many specialized mining bee species (Family Andrenidae), dozens of moth species and many butterflies including the Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) and Crescent butterflies (Genus Phyciodes).