Symphyotrichum — 15 species

Symphyotrichum is the genus of native North American asters, encompassing garden favorites like New England aster, New York aster, and cultivars such as Alma Potschke and Fellowship. These perennials bloom heavily in late summer and autumn, filling borders with daisy-like flowers in violet, pink, and white. They thrive in full sun with at least six hours of direct light daily and prefer moderately fertile, well-drained soil; water when the top inch dries out, avoiding constant wetness that promotes root rot. The ASPCA lists Symphyotrichum asters as non-toxic to cats and dogs.