08/28/2026
Same post, every year...
Ditch the Mum Habit! Switch to Native Asters…. and here are a few reasons why:
1. There are many species of native Asters. They support a variety of wildlife including migrating butterflies. Mums (Chrysanthemum genus) are native to east Asia and NE Europe.
2. Most of our native asters are perennials. You don’t have to purchase year after year.
3. Native asters are easy to grow and environmentally friendly without having to go through the extensive cultural requirements and fossil-fuel driven supply chain of the Mum industry.
4. They are beautiful! Many colors, heights, etc. Check out the New York Flora Atlas to see which asters are native in Leatherstocking Country.
From https://wildseedproject.net/.../beauty-pollinator.../
“Asters and goldenrods attract loads of late season pollinating insects. In the wintertime, they provide food and habitat for many birds and small animals that feast on the seeds and find shelter in the dried stalks. Research by entomologist Doug Tallamy of University of Delaware lists asters and goldenrods as the wildflowers that support the most species of butterflies and moths. Deer usually avoid asters and goldenrods.”
Commercial Mum production:
