American Asters

As we enter early autumn, it is late in the growing season for the central United States, and many insect species are still actively looking for pollen and nectar as they get ready for winter.  Migrating birds and species that overwinter here are also seeking daily meals.  Fall flowering plant species are much fewer in number than summer blooming species, but include varieties of American asters, Symphyotrichum spp.; goldenrod, Solidago spp.; black-eyed Susans, Rudbeckia spp.; coneflower, Echinacea spp.; sedum, Sedum spp.; and anise hyssop, Agastache spp.

^{American Aster by Andrew McKinlay, Aug 2013; Anise hyssop by Steve Guttman, Oct 2011; Black-eyed Susan by Jodi Grundig, Aug 2009; Coneflower by Bonnie Leer, Jul 2008; Goldenrod by Cathy Baird, Aug 2013; Sedum by Eleanor Martin, Jul 2009}

In this blog, we take a look at American asters, which make up a genus of over 100 species of perennial plants, all of which are native to North America.  Asters like full or partial sun and reach heights of between one and six feet.  They display a variety of colors from white to blue to purple.  They do best in wet soils.  Asters are often grown in pots or used in borders, as well as being found in a variety of wild habitats including forests, savannas, prairies, and wetlands.

^{American painted lady on Pacific aster by TJ Gehling, Oct 2023; Gulf fritillary on white aster by Vicki DeLoach, Ot 2012; Leaf cutter bee, Megachile spp, on New England aster, by GreenRavenPhotography, Sep 2016; Metallic green bee on white aster by Jacqui Trump, Oct 2021; Pecks skipper, Polites peckius, on smooth blue aster, Symphyotrichum laeve, by Tom Potterfield, Sep 2016}

These asters are an excellent source of nectar and pollen sought by both long-tongued and short-tongued bees, butterflies, wasps, and beetles.  All parts of the plant are edible, although some species may contain mild toxins, making the animal eating it ill.  Leaves and stems are eaten by grouse, turkey, chipmunks, mice, and deer.  The abundant seeds are available long after most other flower seeds have been consumed or buried.  Large quantities of seeds are eaten by migrating bird species including dark-eyed junco, Junco hyemalis; indigo bunting, Passerina cyanea; American tree sparrow, Spizelloides arborea; and American goldfinch, Spinus tristis.

^{American goldfinch, Spinus tristis, by F Delventhal, Jul 2022; American tree sparrow, Spizelloides arborea, by Tom Benson, Nov 2018; Dark-eyed junco, Junco hyemalis, by Stan Lupo, Mat 2020; Indigo bunting, Passerina cyanea, by Mitchell McConnell, Apr 2013}

Asters are sometimes referred to as a keystone species.  Keystone species can be either plants or animals that are essential to maintaining the health and functions of the entire ecosystem to which they belong.  The introduction or loss of a keystone species may significantly affect an entire ecosystem in either positive or negative ways.  Populations of other organisms may be altered, habitat changes can be observed, and biodiversity can rapidly change.  American asters, along with the other late blooming flower species, are an important food source late in the growing season for maintaining a healthy population of pollinators, migrating birds, and over-wintering wildlife.

To learn more about seasonal changes and how our native species are adapted to handle these conditions, consider a visit to the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum or a nature center near you.