The New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliase) (shown above) and it close cousin the New York Aster (Symphyotrichum novi-begii) are members of the Michaelmas Aster Family.
Michealmas Day occurs on September 29. It is the feast that celebrates Saint Michael -- the patron saint and angel who hurled the devil out of heaven.
While the Michealmas Asters having nothing to do with that story, they do produce a splendid display of purple at this time of the year as tree leaves begin to turn bright red and yellow.
Some consider New England Asters to be a first sign of fall. Others consider the to be the last sign of summer. Optimists versus pessimists?
