New England Aster

Produces striking masses of rose purple daisy like flowers that appear from late summer until the fall, offering a great source of late season nectar for pollinators. Can be easily spotted growing in meadows and along roadways. North American Native people have used the roots of this plant for fever, catarrh and pain. The Iroquois used it as a ‘love medicine’ and as a ‘smudging’ herb to revive the unconscious. Contemporary American herbalists are finding that the flowers taken as a tincture, infusion or even eaten raw are very effective in clearing and opening the respiratory passages, sinuses and lungs, and they can be used for colds, asthma, and even emphysema. Thrives in full sun or part shade in average, medium moisture, well drained soils. Has a robust growth habit and very easy to maintain once established! Height 3-6 feet.