Why planting Asters can be beneficial
Gardeners’ Dirt by Victoria County Master Gardener Kristine Oksenholt
September 14, 2024
The aster flower has an interesting history and it belongs to the astonishing Asteraceae family which has a long list of unexpected plants. It is nonpoisonous and has been used for food and medicine.
Asters repel almost all insect pests but attract many pollinators. The aster is grown in many types of gardens, but also has a type that grows wild.
The history of the aster dates back prior to 1600 where it was introduced in Italy. It has been called the herb of Venus who is the Greek goddess of love. The name comes from the Latin word astrum meaning star.
The legend is that Astraea the Starry Maid cried realizing that there were no stars on the earth and each tear that fell became an aster flower. They symbolize love and daintiness in the language of flowers.
The Aster family (Asteraceae) includes asters, lettuce, daisies, sunflowers, chrysanthemums, dandelions, goldenrod, coneflowers, thistles, artichokes, dahlias, marigolds, zinnias, chamomile, chicory, sage, tarragon, ragweed, sagebrush, and yarrow.
The aster is edible. The flowers and leaves can be dried or eaten fresh. Dried asters are seen in tea blends and fresh asters are seen in salads or as a garnish.
Native Americans used wild asters for numerous reasons. Aster roots were cooked in soups and new leaves were cooked gently and used as greens.
The Iroquois mixed aster with bloodroot and other plants to create a laxative. The Ojibwa people created a topical infusion of the aster root to help relieve headaches.
Asters should be picked in full bloom after the dew has dried and early in the morning. After the stem has been cut 4 inches from the ground it should be hung upside down in a dark cool area. The flower will become fluffy and white but is still ready to use. Put the dried flowers and stems in a sealed glass jar in a shady spot.
Asters can repel many types of insects such as aphids, some beetles, cabbage loopers, mites, and squash bugs. Asters can also attract many pollinators such as bees, butterflies, flies, wasps and hummingbirds. The pollinators like to stock up on the food supply asters provide. Designating a space to grow asters is a great help to pollinators.
The caterpillars of many species of butterflies and moths feed on the foliage of asters. Asters are a valuable food source later in the season when there are not many other food sources available.
Asters prefer full sun or part sun and blooms in summer and fall. The shadier the location the less they will bloom. They are a cold hardy perennial that can grow one foot to six feet tall depending on the variety.
The flowers can range from purple to white to blue. Young aster plants should be planted in the spring spaced one to three feet apart. They grow well in a fertile soil that can hold plenty of moisture. Spread mulch around the plants to keep them cool and water well.
If planting seeds put seed one inch deep in pots and refrigerate for 4 to 6 weeks to simulate winter dormancy and get them ready for germination.
There are at least 600 aster species. Two asters that are most well-known are the New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) and the New York aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii). Texas native aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) is called the aromatic aster or fall aster. It is a deciduous perennial known for its purple daisy-like flowers and yellow centers.
Asters can be used as borders, in wildflower gardens or in rock gardens as well as in pots. Some asters grow wild and are considered weeds as they can be invasive. Asters have lots of benefits, so save some space to plant them.
Victoria County Master Gardener Association Gardeners’ Dirt originally appeared in The Victoria Advocate, Victoria County, TX