Parasol Whitetop

(Doellingeria umbellata)

Parasol Whitetop (Doellingeria umbellata)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Doellingeria umbellata, commonly known as Parasol Whitetop, is a deciduous perennial herb native to moist meadows, wetlands, and open woodlands of the Eastern and Central United States and Canada. It can reach up to 200 cm (80 inches) in height and spreads via underground rhizomes. The plant is characterized by its tall, erect stems and large clusters of small flower heads, each displaying up to 16 white ray florets surrounding a center of 50 yellow disc florets. Flowering occurs from late summer to early fall, and the blooms are moderately showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Parasol Whitetop is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and its use in naturalistic plantings, such as rain gardens and wet meadows. It is also suitable for border plantings in garden settings where moisture is consistent. This species prefers full sun to part shade and moist to wet soils, which should be slightly acidic but can tolerate a range of soil pH from moderately acid to slightly alkaline. While it is generally low-maintenance, care should be taken to manage its spread, as it can become aggressive in favorable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2-5 feet
  • Width: 2-4 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium, High
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Moist meadows, wetlands, and open woodlands

Other Names

Common Names: Flat-Top White Aster, Tall Flat-Top White Aster, Tall White Aster, Whitetop Aster, Flat-Top Aster, Aster À Ombelles, Flockaster, Tall Flat-Topped White Aster, Aster À Ombelle

Scientific Names: , Doellingeria umbellata, Aster umbellatus, Aster umbellatus var. umbellatus, Diplostephium umbellatum, Diplopappus umbellatus, Diplostephium amygdalinum, Aster amygdalinus, Aster umbellatus subsp. umbellatus, Aster umbellatus f. intercedens

GBIF Accepted Name: Doellingeria umbellata (Mill.) Nees