Name That Plant!Container Gardening Metro NY Gardener

Random plants in my NYC (Zone 6b) planter

last year

last modified: last year

Hi everyone. I'm seeing at least two different plants in this planter of mine. Any guesses what they may be? I suspect these are from seeds I collected while out and about in the NYC (Zone 6b) area. Often when I'm in the wild, if I see a pretty plant/shrub that has gone to seed, I'll just grab some seeds, come back home and drop them into one of my empty planters with dirt, and just see what may or may not 'take'.

Just wondering if I might have anything worthwhile to me in here, or if I should take out everything that's in here, so I can use the pot for something else.

Thanks!

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Comments (4)

Jay 6a Chicago
last year
last modified: last year
I'd say they are Symphyotrichum lanceolatum (Panicled Aster) and Ageratina altissima (White Snakeroot, Milk Poison). Both have large billowing branches filled with flowers in autumn that pollinators and migrating Monarchs love. They're worth keeping, just don't eat the White Snaketoot. It can't affect skin. I pull them out with bare hands all the time and I'm fine. The Panicled Aster is a beautiful aster. It shows up on it's own in the yard. The White Snakeroot flowers glow like lanterns as the sun sets.
Lynn Nevins
Original Author
last year
Thanks very much. That would make sense...that that's what these are...especially the Aster, which I Do love and have always wanted to grow. And can you tell me which one is the Aster...the one with the long, slender leaves?
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Jay 6a Chicago
last year
Yes Lynn, the aster is the plant with the long, slender leaves.

Panicled Aster appeared by my shed.

White Snakeroot
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Lynn Nevins
Original Author
last year
Thanks. The white snakeroot is also very pretty....has an Aster-y look, as well (IMHO), though I'm hesitant to keep it based on some of what I read about it...and considering I do my gardening up on top of my building's rooftop (where other people also go, to hang out, take in the view etc)
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