There are a few signs that signal summer’s end and the arrival of fall. Shorter days, cooler nights and kids back in school. One sure sign for me is seeing the beginning blooms of New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae). New England Aster is one of the showiest native wildflowers and a very versatile plant when used in prairie restorations. The plant is suitable for a backyard garden but can also be found growing in roadsides.
New England Aster is native to most parts of the Unites States east of the Rocky Mountains and North of the Mason-Dixon Line. It can be found growing in almost every county in Illinois and Wisconsin and about half in Iowa. It grows around 4 feet tall and prefers mesic soils but tolerates heavy clay. It serves as a host to many butterflies and has an abnormally long bloom period, sometimes over two months. Often times this plant will look stressed when dry and serves as a good indicator of a dry summer and fall. Its strong fiberous root system makes it ideal in erosion control applications.
Be on the lookout this fall for this great prairie flower.
http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/ne_asterx.htm
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