Colorful fall flowers blooming over an extended period (often until frost) make New England aster an key butterfly garden plant. Asters as a group provide a large number of flowers per plant (and large amounts of butterfly nectar) at a time of the year when nectar sources are low.

When combined in the garden with goldenrods, the two plants will provide color and nectar at a time of the year when both can be in short supply.

Importance as a caterpillar food source: Pearl Crescent caterpillars use New England aster as a food source. The Pearl Crescent butterfly is widely distributed making New England aster a good plant to try if you wish to observe caterpillars.

Importance as a butterfly nectar source: A wide variety of butterflies flock to New England aster as a late season nectar plant.