Symphyotrichum novi-belgii (formerly Aster novi-belgii), commonly called New York aster, is a species of flowering plant. It is the type species for Symphyotrichum, a genus in the family Asteraceae, whose species were once considered to be part of the genus Aster. Plants in both these genera are popularly known as Michaelmas daisy because they bloom around September 29, St. Michael’s Day.
The Latin specific epithet novi-belgii (literally "New Belgium") refers not to modern Belgium, but the 17th century Dutch colony New Netherland which was established on land currently occupied by New York state (as Belgica Foederata was the Latin term for the United Netherlands at the time).
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii grows in abandoned fields and wet meadows in eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. Numerous hybrids have been developed, such as the double, magenta bloom seen here, flowering in our garden at the moment. In the Southern Hemisphere, these are referred to as Easter Asters as they bloom around Eastertide.
This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.
Easter Asters? perfect timing!
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