Symphyotrichum novi-belgii, or New York aster, delivers a welcome shock of purple and lavender flowers late in the growing season when most species are done blooming and foliage is beginning to turn. This important larval host plant thrives in full sun and well-draining but not dry soil. Very tough once established, it spreads by rhizomes and self-seeds. We often see it on wet edges of meadows where it is missed by mowing. Great cut flower that can bloom through the first frosts.