What pragmatic compromise do native gardeners often adopt regarding aster protection versus ecological benefit?

Focusing protection efforts primarily on the blooms themselves, rather than attempting to preserve every single leaf.

For committed native gardeners, the ecological contributions of asters—especially their role in providing vital late-season nectar for pollinators like butterflies—often outweigh minor aesthetic damage caused by herbivores. Because the primary ecological function of these late-season bloomers is tied to their flowers, a pragmatic compromise involves concentrating defensive efforts on safeguarding the blossoms. This approach accepts that losing some foliage to an unexpected visitor is a manageable trade-off for the overall benefit the plant provides to the local ecosystem.