Common Names: Flat-Topped White Aster | Parasol White Top | Tall White Aster
Scientific Name: Doellingeria umbellata
 
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial
Size: 2-5ft
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Summer to Fall
 
Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist to Wet
 
Ecological Benefits
Promotes biodiversity in Maryland's ecosystems by providing essential habitat and food for native pollinators. Flat-topped Asters are a great late season food source for a wide variety of pollinators including butterflies, long and short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, and beetles. It is the host plant for the Harris's checkerspot butterfly and the seeds provide winter food for birds. The very robust root system helps stabilize soil and helps reduce erosion.