Doellingeria umbellata (Flat-Topped White Aster)
Parasol Whitetop, Flat-Topped White Aster, Flat-Topped Aster, Parasol Aster, Cornel-Leaf Whitetop, Aster umbellatus
Doellingeria umbellata (Flat-Topped White Aster) is an upright perennial boasting showy flat-topped clusters of white, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers in late summer to fall. The blossoms attract butterflies and other pollinators. Blooming for 4-8 weeks, the flowers fade to a pleasant greenish-white color for weeks after the peak bloom. are followed by a dry seed (achene) that matures in late fall and is distributed to new locations by wind. The reddish to greenish-yellow unbranched stems are clad with alternate, lance-shaped, medium green leaves, 3-6 in. long (7-15 cm). The attractive foliage remains clean throughout the season. Found in wet sandy sites including prairies, meadows, open woods, thickets, bogs, marshes, savannas and creek banks, Flat-Topped White Aster is easy to grow, low maintenance, drought tolerant, and is not affected by any serious pests or diseases. However, it can spread by underground rhizomes and self-seeding to form dense colonies. Use in groups for best effect around water sites, in naturalized meadows or pollinator gardens.
- Grows up to 2-5 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 2-4 ft. wide (60-120 cm).
- Thrives in full sun to part shade in sandy loam, moist to occasionally wet, preferably slightly acid soils. Tolerates drought and clay soils.
- Vital ingredient of late summer and fall native plant gardens, prairies or butterfly gardens.
- No serious pest or disease issues. Usually unpalatable to deer and rabbits.
- Propagation by seed or division. Divide regularly to prevent the plant to die out in the center.
- Native to Canada and the eastern and north-central United States.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 9 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Aster |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Late) Fall |
Height | 2' – 5' (60cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm) |
Spacing | 36" – 48" (90cm – 120cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Ponds and Streams |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
By Peter Turner Photography, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 9 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Aster |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Late) Fall |
Height | 2' – 5' (60cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm) |
Spacing | 36" – 48" (90cm – 120cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Ponds and Streams |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |