Asters rank second, after goldenrod, in supporting Lepidoptera (112 butterfly and moth species) according to Doug Tallamy’s Bringing Nature Home. This video, filmed at Alexandria’s Simpson Gardens in early October, shows monarch butterflies foraging on asters, including native Symphyotrichum novae-angliae. You can view asters along with many other colorful, pollinator attracting flowers during the 25th Anniversary Open House at Simpson Park Gardens Sunday, September 30th. Maybe the monarchs also will stop by for a visit.

– video by Mary Free, Certified Master Gardener