Umbellate aster (Doellingeria umbellata, Gen. Sp. Aster.: 178 (1832))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (Mill.) Nees

Bibliography: Gen. Sp. Aster.: 178 (1832)

Year: 1832

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Doellingeria

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to U.S.A.

Description

The umbellate aster, scientifically known as Doellingeria umbellata, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. First classified by Nees in 1832, this charming perennial is native to the vast expanses of Eastern Canada and the United States. Respected for its resilience and ecological adaptability, the umbellate aster thrives in a variety of habitats, ranging from moist meadows to woodland edges, contributing significantly to the regional biodiversity.

Distinguished by its distinctive, flat-topped clusters of small white flowers, Doellingeria umbellata adds an elegant touch to natural landscapes. The plant often grows to a height of 50 to 150 centimeters, with slender, green stems that support lanceolate leaves, which are arranged alternately along the stem. The flower heads, appearing in late summer and early fall, are composed of central yellow disc florets surrounded by numerous white ray florets, attracting a myriad of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and other insects.

Doellingeria umbellata’s prominence in natural history and horticulture is rooted not only in its aesthetic appeal but also its ecological role. As a late-season bloomer, it provides a critical nectar source during a time when many other flowering plants have ceased blooming. This ensures the sustenance of pollinators, thereby promoting biodiversity and the health of ecosystems.

Cultivating the umbellate aster is relatively straightforward, making it a favorable choice for gardeners seeking to bolster their gardens with native plant species. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, although it flourishes best in environments that mimic its natural, moist habitat.

In summary, the umbellate aster stands as a testament to both beauty and functionality within its native range in Eastern Canada and the United States. Its presence enriches floral displays with delicate clusters of blossoms while playing an indispensable role in supporting pollinator populations.

Common Names

Eng: flat-top aster, flat-top white aster, parasol whitetop, tall flat-top white aster, umbellate aster, whitetop aster
Fra: aster à ombelles
Swe: flockaster
En: Umbellate aster, Tall flat-top white aster, Whitetop aster, Flat-top aster, Flat-top white aster, Parasol whitetop
Fr: Aster à ombelles
Sv: Flockaster

Synonyms

• Aster umbellatus (Mill.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Great Britain (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Thierry Thierry Bessière (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2020 by laurence rodier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2021 by Paul Landry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2022 by John Murtaugh (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 7, 2021 by Pascal Guerin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2021 by Boisvert Sylvie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2021 by Jen H (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2020 by marjack Latodesrui (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 12, 2015 by EOL − Aarongunnar (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 18, 2015 by EOL − Aarongunnar (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 6, 2020 by Saultarius (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2020 by Joseph Moulaison (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2021 by Isle (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 9, 2018 by Carmen Kline (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2019 by lnu’skw (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2017 by Susan Mene (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2020 by Joseph Moulaison (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 18, 2008 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2007 (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2019 by Dorrie Spoor (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3148260)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30058707-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Doellingeria umbellata (Mill.) Nees)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth