Birds attracted to New England Aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

Native to North America

STATE DISTRIBUTION (USDA): AL, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY

CANADIAN DISTRIBUTION: BC, MB, NB, NS, ON, QC

New England Aster Identification and Relationship with Birds

Herbaceous perennial ranging from 3 to 6 feet tall, New England Aster blooms a flower head composed of a yellow center and pink-purple rays from August to October. New England Aster is easy to grow as long as it gets sun, it will not tolerate strong shade. Many species of insect are attracted to New England Aster, as it is one of the best sources of autumn nectar. Attracting insects will in turn attracts insectivorous birds and because New England Aster blooms around the time many birds are migrating, it could make your yard a temporary bird haven. The seeds of New England Aster are eaten by many birds, including the Black-Capped Chickadee and American Goldfinch.

Birds Most Commonly Attracted to New England Aster

• American Goldfinch
• Black-Capped Chickadee
• Blue Jay
• Dark-Eyed Junco
• Eastern Towhee
• Indigo Bunting
• Insectivorous Birds
• Northern Cardinal
• Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
• Tufted Titmouse‍
• White-Breasted Nuthatch