How much sun does Michaelmas Daisy need?

Michaelmas Daisy grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Michaelmas Daisy bloom?

Michaelmas Daisy blooms in August, September, and October.

Where is Michaelmas Daisy native?

Michaelmas Daisy (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is native to AL, AR, CO, CT and 36 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What butterflies or moths does Michaelmas Daisy host?

Michaelmas Daisy is a larval host plant for pearl crescent butterfly and silvery checkerspot.

Is Michaelmas Daisy HOA-friendly?

Michaelmas Daisy is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Michaelmas Daisy

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

Last reviewed: August 2026

Michaelmas Daisy (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is a perennial forb native to AL, AR, CO, CT and 36 more states. It blooms in August, September, and October. The flowers draw bees, butterflies, and moths. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

36"–72" H × 24"–36" W

Bloom

Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

AL, AR, CO, CT and 36 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Erie Drift Plain Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

New England aster is an upright, clump-forming perennial in the aster family with dozens of daisy-like purple flowers with yellow centers that open in late summer and fall. Its sturdy stems can reach several feet tall and often benefit from staking or an early cutback to stay compact.

Growing Michaelmas Daisy

Grow Michaelmas Daisy in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Michaelmas Daisy is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: perennial border, foundation planting, pollinator garden.

Can grow tall and flop without staking or an early-season cutback

Wildlife value

Host plant for pearl crescent butterfly, silvery checkerspot.

New England aster is a key late-season nectar source for migrating monarch butterflies and native bees, and serves as a larval host plant for the pearl crescent butterfly, per the Xerces Society.

Common questions

How much sun does Michaelmas Daisy need?: Michaelmas Daisy grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Michaelmas Daisy bloom?: Michaelmas Daisy blooms in August, September, and October.
Where is Michaelmas Daisy native?: Michaelmas Daisy (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is native to AL, AR, CO, CT and 36 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does Michaelmas Daisy host?: Michaelmas Daisy is a larval host plant for pearl crescent butterfly and silvery checkerspot.
Is Michaelmas Daisy HOA-friendly?: Michaelmas Daisy is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Michaelmas Daisy? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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