Some years ago the botanists changed the genus name of these plants…making it impossible for most people to remember what they are now called. It’s okay – stick with asters and if you need the botanical name you can easily search for it. Asters are one of the best native perennials for supporting insects, and gardeners love the fall flower colors.

The heath aster remains one of my favorites. While many consider this plant a weed, I consider it one of the prettiest of fall flowers. Here it is growing wild in a field in Sandwich, MA.