Hervey's Aster Eurybia × herveyi
ABOUT
The Eurybia × herveyi, commonly known as the New England aster cross, is a plant with a striking appearance that immediately draws the eye. Its foliage is made up of lush green leaves that are lance-shaped with a slightly toothed margin, giving them a textured look. The leaves provide a verdant backdrop for the beautiful flowers that bloom profusely. These blossoms have an iconic daisy-like shape, featuring a prominent central disc that typically exhibits a golden yellow hue. Surrounding the disc are delicate petals that radiate outwards. The color of the petals may vary, commonly displaying shades of purple, and sometimes might have hues of blue or pink, adding to the plant's overall visual appeal. The New England aster cross blooms during late summer to fall, with each individual flower presenting a captivating display that not only beautifies gardens but also invites various pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to the biodiversity of the area where it grows. The plant has a bushy, clumping form which makes it an excellent choice for borders or as part of a floral arrangement in gardens, and its colorful and abundant flowers offer a prolonged period of visual interest. The plant is favored by gardeners and landscape designers not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its adaptability to a variety of garden conditions, though it does prefer well-drained soil and a location where it can receive full to partial sunlight. The New England aster cross, as a hybrid, melds the strengths of its parent species, resulting in a robust plant that adds beauty and charm to any setting where it is planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Hervey's Aster, Hervey’s Starwort
Common names
Aster × herveyi
ToxicityTo humans
Eurybia × herveyi, commonly known as Hervey's aster, is not widely recognized for having toxic properties to humans. There is no significant evidence suggesting that the plant is poisonous or that it causes adverse symptoms upon ingestion. However, as with any plant, individual allergies can occur, and it's always wise to exercise caution and avoid eating plants that are not commonly recognized as food sources due to potential risk of gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions.
To pets
Hervey's aster is not typically known to be toxic to pets. There is a lack of information indicating that Eurybia × herveyi has any poisonous effects on animals such as dogs or cats. As with humans, pets can have individual sensitivities or allergic reactions to plants, so it's still best to prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not intended for consumption to avoid any potential upset stomachs or negative reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators - Eurybia × herveyi is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, which is beneficial for the ecosystem.
- Aesthetic Value - With its attractive flowers, the New England aster adds beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Supports Biodiversity - By providing nectar and pollen, the New England aster supports the diet of various insects, contributing to ecological diversity.
- Adaptability - The plant is adaptable to a variety of soil conditions and can thrive in different environments.
- Low Maintenance - Once established, the New England aster is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care to flourish.
- Drought Tolerance - It has the ability to withstand periods of low water availability, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Hervey's Aster can be used as a natural dye source, with various parts of the plant providing different shades depending on the mordant used.
- In some cultures, the leaves or petals may be used in traditional ceremonies or decorations to signify certain events or seasons.
- The fibrous stems of the Hervey's Aster, when dried, have been used in the past for weaving small items like baskets or mats.
- The flower heads of the Hervey's Aster are sometimes used in floral arrangements, both fresh and dried, for their attractive appearance.
- This plant can serve as a food source for various butterfly larvae, making it an excellent choice for butterfly gardens or habitat restoration projects.
- Gardeners may plant the Hervey's Aster for its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which benefits the pollination of nearby plants.
- Hervey's Aster's long blooming period provides aesthetic appeal to gardens well into the fall season when many other flowers have ended their display.
- The seeds of the Hervey's Aster can be collected and used to propagate new plants, allowing for sustainable gardening practices and preservation of the species.
- Due to its hardiness, this plant might be used in erosion control efforts, as it can grow in tough conditions and help to stabilize soil with its root system.
- Photographers and artists may find the Hervey's Aster a worthy subject for their work because of its vibrant colors and the intricate structure of its flower heads.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Eurybia × herveyi, commonly known as the New York aster, is not typically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe New York aster is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Eurybia × herveyi, also known as Hervey's aster, often symbolizes resilience as it can thrive in harsh climates and poor soil conditions similar to other asters.
- Patience: It may represent patience, as it takes time for the plant to establish itself and bloom abundantly.
- Endurance: Hervey's aster is often seen as a representation of endurance due to its ability to withstand cold temperatures and return each year with vigor.
- Remembrance: Asters in general, including Hervey's aster, are traditionally associated with the memory of loved ones and are used to honor those who have passed.
- Charm: The beautiful and vivid colors of Hervey's aster can symbolize a charm or attraction, both in a literal sense and metaphorically attracting goodness or positivity.
WaterFor the New England aster, it's best to water deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Typically, you'll need about one gallon of water for outdoor plants, ensuring you're reaching the roots without causing standing water which can lead to root rot. Adjust frequency based on rainfall; during periods of heavy rain, you can skip watering. In hot, dry weather, you may need to water twice a week. It's crucial not to overwater, as this plant is susceptible to root rot in soggy soil.
LightThe New England aster thrives in full sun, so it should be placed in a location where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. A spot in a sunny border or open garden that is exposed to the morning sun is ideal. Too much shade can lead to weak growth and fewer flowers.
TemperatureThe New England aster prefers moderate temperatures and can generally withstand temperatures as low as 20°F in the winter. The ideal growing range during the growing season is between 60°F and 75°F. It's hardy and can survive a light frost, but extended exposure to temperatures below freezing could damage the plant.
PruningPrune the New England aster in the late fall after flowering has ceased or in the early spring before new growth begins. Cut the stems back to about 1 to 2 inches above the ground to promote healthy growth and maintain plant shape. Pruning is also a good time to thin out any crowded areas to increase air circulation, which helps prevent disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNew York aster prefers rich, moist, well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or pine bark can provide an ideal growing medium.
RepottingNew York aster doesn't need frequent repotting; doing it every 2-3 years is sufficient to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingNew York aster thrives in moderate to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable to average household humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with moist, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe plant Eurybia × herveyi, commonly known as Hervey's Aster, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in the spring under suitable temperature and moisture conditions. Following germination, seedlings emerge and develop into juvenile plants, featuring a rosette of leaves at the soil level. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative growth stage, where it develops a fuller foliage and robust root system. Upon reaching maturity, typically in late summer to fall, Hervey's Aster produces distinctive purple or violet flowers, which are important for attracting pollinators. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds, which are dispersed by wind, allowing the plant to propagate and continue its life cycle. During winter or unfavorable conditions, the plant may die back to the ground, but its root system enables it to resprout the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring to summer
Eurybia × herveyi, commonly known as Hervey's Aster, is typically propagated through division, which is the most popular method for multiplying these plants. The best time for division is in the spring, just as the new growth begins to emerge. To propagate Hervey's Aster by division, carefully dig up an established plant, ensuring that you get as much of the root system as possible. Gently tease apart the clumps into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant these divisions into well-drained soil at the same depth they were previously growing, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 45.7 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly and maintain even moisture until they are well established. This method often yields healthy new plants that will start to mature and bloom within a season or two.
