This large family (Asteraceae), commonly called the Aster Family, consists of 1,314 genera and 21,000 species of herbs, shrubs, climbers and a few trees is found chiefly in temperate and subtropical regions.  The plants are of value to man as ornamentals; a few are insecticides and fish poisons. The family (Asteraceae) is named from the Greek aster meaning “star” and refers to the radiate heads of the flowers.  This family was called the starwort family.  This species name (novi-belgii ) means “of Belgium” or “New Netherlands”; the early name for New York.  The common name (New York Aster) is derived from the scientific name. New York Asters grow in moist, open ground of meadows, shaded woods edges and salt marsh edges.  The common double-flowered garden asters belong to a different genus (Callistephus). Though abundant in many places, asters have relatively little importance to wildlife. A few birds and small mammals eat the leaves and seeds.