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Doellingeria umbellata var. umbellata
Doellingeria umbellata (Mill.) Nees var. umbellata
Parasol Whitetop, Flat-top Aster
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
Synonym(s): Aster umbellatus
USDA Symbol: DOUMU
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N), SPM (N)
The rigid, erect stems of this perennial are much-branched at the top and grow to a height of 5+ ft. Leaves are long and narrow and the small, white flowers, with yellow to pink centers, are clustered at branch ends.
Slowly forms large colonies. (Ontario Native Plants 2002)
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Size Notes: Up to about 6 feet tall, often shorter.
Fruit: Fruit is a cypsela (pl. cypselae). Though technically incorrect, the fruit is often referred to as an achene.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Distribution
USA: AL , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , TN , VA , VT , WI , WVCanada: NB , NL , NS , ON , PE , QC
Native Distribution: Nf. to Man., s. to FL & LA
Native Habitat: Moist thickets, meadows & wood borders
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Moist soils.
Conditions Comments: Looks best when planted in colonies. Can become aggressive. Requires little care but benefits from wintercover.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yesAttracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Pearly Crescent, Harris Checkerspot
Propagation
Description: Seeds sown in fall will produce blooms the second year. May also be multiplied by division.Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Additional resources
USDA: Find Doellingeria umbellata var. umbellata in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Doellingeria umbellata var. umbellata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Doellingeria umbellata var. umbellata
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-12-23Research By: TWC Staff