Doellingeria umbellata var. umbellata (Native)

Synonym(s)
Aster umbellatus
Common Name
Flat-top white aster
Parasol whitetop
Flat-topped white aster
Parasol white-top
Tall white-aster
Plant Form
Herbs
Duration
Perennial
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8, 9

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Photographer: jenarbeider
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: jenarbeider
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

iNaturalist Research-grade Observation Image Gallery
Additional Info

Habitat: Moist fields, thickets, and the border of swamps. Prefers slightly acidic sandy loam that is moist to occasionally wet

Wildlife Value: Larval host to the Pearly Crescent, Harris Checkerspot.

Pruning Guidance
Pruning Time
Late spring (after insect emergence)
Pruning Method
Cut stems to 8–24 inches in spring
Chop-and-drop
Wildlife Benefits
Seedheads provide winter food for birds
Standing stems support overwintering insects
Cut stems retained at 8–24 inches support insect habitat
Pruning Notes
Leave stems and seedheads standing through fall and winter. Birds eat the seeds, and insects shelter in and on the stems. In late spring, after several nights above 50°F, cut the old stems to 8 to 24 inches at varied heights. Bees and other insects nest in the cut stubs the following summer. Lay the cut tops loosely in the bed so insects still inside can emerge.
High Value Generalist
Earth Sangha lists this plant as a "High Value Generalist" because it is easy to grow, occurs across a wide range of habitats and is known to be of high value to wildlife
Flower Color
Cream/White
Purple/lavender
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Bloom Time
Late Summer
Fall
Bloom Month
July
August
September
October
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Moisture Requirements
Wet
Moist
Low Maintenance
Yes
Pollinators
Butterfiles
Recommended for
Border
Butterfly garden
Pollinator garden
Rain garden
Streams, ponds, wetlands
Tolerates
Wet conditions
Species-specific links
Digital Atlas of Virginia Flora - Species account
North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox - Species account
Additional links
Earth Sangha Compendium