A cluster of asters in full bloom. These stunning native wildflowers provide a final splash of color and a crucial food source for pollinators as the summer winds down.
A Symbol of Autumn’s Arrival
As the days begin to shorten and a crispness enters the morning air, many of us turn our thoughts to the shifting colours of the leaves. But before the reds and oranges take centre stage, a different kind of beauty begins to unfurl in fields and along roadsides. It’s the Smooth Blue Aster, a family of wildflowers that signals the gentle, yet inevitable, approach of autumn. These delicate, daisy-like blossoms, often in shades of purple, blue, and white, are a welcome sight, providing a final burst of color before the first hard frosts arrive.
The word “aster” comes from the Greek word for “star,” a fitting name for these star-shaped flowers that seem to sprinkle the landscape with their vibrant hues. These plants are not only a treat for the eyes but also a vital food source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators preparing for the colder months.
Beyond their natural beauty, asters have a history of traditional use and cultural significance. Indigenous peoples have long used asters for various purposes. Some species were used in traditional medicines to treat a range of ailments, while others were brewed into teas. The flowers were also often associated with patience and wisdom, holding a special place in folklore and ceremony. For those of us living in Northwestern Ontario and Manitoba, the presence of these late-blooming flowers is a reminder of the resilience of nature and the beauty that can be found in every season.
Asters are a fantastic example of the wildflowers that define our community recreation and natural arts landscapes. They thrive in a variety of conditions, from open fields to woodland edges, and their ability to bloom late into the season makes them a cornerstone of the autumn garden. For anyone looking to add some late-season colour to their own yard, planting native asters is an excellent choice. It supports local pollinators and connects you with a part of the natural heritage that has graced these lands for centuries.
This year’s Northwestern Ontario arts internship program was funded by the Ontario Arts Council Multi and Inter-Arts program and we thank them for their support.
This summer, artists and youth from across Northwestern Ontario, Manitoba and Nunavut are on a quest to capture some of the many plants and flowers that grow around our natural environments. Every day, we post a different plant of flower, mostly from our Northwestern Ontario living land lab. The program was seeded in 2022 with funding and support from the Canada Council for the Arts Digital Greenhouse, and later by the Manitoba Arts Council and Ontario Arts Council. This year’s programming for plants and flowers builds on pilot programming supported by Manitoba Agriculture and the Canadian Sustainable Agricultural Partnership.
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