Tag: Asters

Gardening with Keystone Species in Western Pennsylvania – Goldenrod and Asters

Posted on | Plant Spotlights

Guest post by Sarah Flanders Keystone Species are plants that support the most species of insects. These plants are not only beautiful, but they are (or used to be) abundant in Western Pennsylvania, and without them, you cannot restore a functioning ecosystem. They are the logical choice to start a native plant garden. Some insects […] Continue reading "Gardening with Keystone Species in Western Pennsylvania – Goldenrod and Asters"

18 Spectacular Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) to Grow in your Allegheny County, PA Butterfly Garden

Posted on | Genus Spotlights

American-asters, those in the Symphyotrichum genus, as opposed to the European asters, those in the Aster genus, are one of the most common flowers in the late summer and autumn. These plants serve as host plants for the Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos), American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis), and silvery checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) butterflies as well as […] Continue reading "18 Spectacular Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) to Grow in your Allegheny County, PA Butterfly Garden"