Newfoundland Aster: A Northern Native Worth Getting to Know
If you’re looking to add some authentic Canadian charm to your garden, let me introduce you to the Newfoundland aster (Symphyotrichum novibelgii var. crenifolium). This lesser-known native perennial might just be the hidden gem your landscape has been waiting for – though I’ll be honest, it’s one of those plants that keeps some of its secrets close to the vest!
What Exactly Is Newfoundland Aster?
Newfoundland aster is a perennial forb, which is just a fancy way of saying it’s a non-woody herbaceous plant that comes back year after year. Unlike shrubs or trees, this plant keeps its growing points at or below ground level, making it perfectly adapted to survive harsh northern winters.
You might also see this plant listed under several other scientific names in older gardening references, including Aster crenifolius or Symphyotrichum crenifolium. Don’t let the name shuffle confuse you – botanists love to reclassify plants, but it’s still the same charming native.
Where Does It Call Home?
This aster is a true Canadian native, with its natural range documented in Quebec. As its common name suggests, it’s adapted to the cooler northern climates of eastern Canada, making it a perfect choice for gardeners in similar climate zones who want to grow plants that truly belong in their region.
Why Consider Newfoundland Aster for Your Garden?
Here’s where I wish I could give you all the juicy details about this plant’s stunning flowers and wildlife benefits, but Newfoundland aster is a bit of a mysterious character. What we do know is that it’s a native perennial, which typically means several good things for your garden:
- It’s naturally adapted to local climate conditions
- It likely supports native wildlife and pollinators (most asters are pollinator magnets)
- As a perennial, it provides lasting value in your landscape
- It won’t become an invasive problem since it’s native to the region
The Growing Challenge
I’m going to level with you – specific growing information for Newfoundland aster is surprisingly hard to come by. This might be because it’s a relatively uncommon variety, or it could be that it’s simply been overlooked in favor of its flashier aster cousins.
If you’re determined to grow this native beauty (and I applaud your adventurous spirit!), your best bet is to:
- Contact native plant societies in Quebec or eastern Canada
- Reach out to botanical gardens in the region
- Look for specialty native plant nurseries that might carry or source it
A Word of Caution and Encouragement
While we don’t have specific information about this plant’s rarity status, the limited available information suggests it might not be commonly cultivated. If you do find a source for Newfoundland aster, make sure you’re purchasing from reputable nurseries that propagate their plants responsibly rather than wild-collecting them.
The Bottom Line
Newfoundland aster represents the kind of native plant that dedicated native gardeners dream about – a true regional native with the potential to add authentic local character to your landscape. While it might require some detective work to source and grow successfully, that’s part of what makes native gardening such an adventure.
If you can’t track down this particular aster, consider exploring other native Symphyotrichum species that are more readily available and well-documented. Your local pollinators and wildlife will thank you for choosing any native aster over non-native alternatives.
Sometimes the most rewarding plants are the ones that make us work a little harder to understand and appreciate them. Newfoundland aster might just be one of those special discoveries waiting to happen in your garden.
