About Symphyotrichum novi-belgii (L.) G.L.Nesom
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii, formerly classified as Aster novi-belgii and commonly known as New York aster, is a species of flowering plant. It is the type species of the genus Symphyotrichum, which belongs to the family Asteraceae. Species of this genus were previously placed in the genus Aster. Plants in both genera are commonly called Michaelmas daisies, because they bloom around September 29, which is St. Michael’s Day. The Latin specific epithet novi-belgii, which literally translates to "New Belgium", does not refer to modern-day Belgium. Instead, it refers to the 17th-century Dutch colony New Netherland, located on land that is now part of New York state, since Belgica Foederata was the Latin term for the United Netherlands at that time. Symphyotrichum novi-belgii grows in abandoned fields and wet meadows in eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. New York aster is native to eastern Canada and the eastern United States. This plant forms the largest group of Michaelmas daisies, with over 1,000 named cultivars. The cultivars are valued for the late summer color they provide, in shades of blue, pink, and white. They grow best when planted in an open, sunny location, and are susceptible to fungal infections, especially when growing conditions are not ideal. The cultivars 'Coombe Fishacre' and 'Fellowship' have been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
