New England Aster Symphyotrichum novae-angliae qt

New England Aster is a late bloomer like most Asters. Maturing to 5' tall, it is rich with purple flowers with orange-yellow centers from late summer to October. Popular with pollinators, it thrives in full sun or light shade in all but the driest soils. Before New England Aster blooms, it is easy to identify the plant because of the hairy stem and leaves that clasp the stem in a distinctive manner, nearly encircling it.