New England aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
Family: Asteraceae
What it is like
A herb. It grows 1.2 m tall. The stem is rough. The leaves clasp the stem. The flowers are purple. There are 50-75 flowers in a group.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in wet swamp areas. It suits hardiness zones 4-8.
Countries/locations it is found in
Britain, Canada, Europe, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The flowers can be eaten fresh and added to salads. The dry plants are added to salads and other dishes and also used for tea.
Edible parts
Flowers, leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Synonyms
Aster altissimus Moench; Aster concinnus Colla; Aster novae-angliae L. Aster spurius Willd.; and others