As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can confidently say that New England asters are not considered weeds. In fact, they are prized for their beautiful blooms and their important role in supporting pollinators.
New England asters, scientifically known as Aster novae-angliae, are native to North America and are commonly found in the northeastern region of the United States. They are perennial plants that typically grow in sunny locations and well-drained soil.
One of the reasons why New England asters are not considered weeds is because they do not have invasive tendencies. Unlike some plants that can quickly take over an area and outcompete native species, New England asters do not spread aggressively. They tend to stay in the areas where they are planted or naturally occur, and do not pose a threat to other plants or ecosystems.
In fact, New England asters are now less common than they used to be due to habitat loss. As human development continues to encroach on natural areas, the populations of these beautiful asters have declined. This makes it all the more important to appreciate and protect them.
One key fact about New England asters is that they are a vital source of late-season nectar for pollinators, especially the monarch butterfly. Monarchs rely on New England asters as a fueling station during their long fall migration. By planting New England asters in your garden, you can provide a much-needed food source for these iconic butterflies and other pollinators.
In my own gardening experience, I have found New England asters to be a delight to have in the landscape. Their vibrant purple, pink, or white flowers add a pop of color to the garden in late summer and early fall. Their tall, upright growth habit also makes them a great choice for adding height and structure to flower beds and borders.
New England asters should not be considered weeds. They are native plants that play an important ecological role in supporting pollinators, and their decline in recent years highlights the need to protect and appreciate them. So, if you have the opportunity to add New England asters to your garden, I highly recommend doing so.
