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Description
Doellingeria Umbellata, commonly known as flat-topped white aster or parasol whitetop, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant is native to North America and is found in areas such as meadows, swamps, and woodlands. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide. The stem is hairy and has a purplish hue, while the leaves are alternate and lance-shaped, measuring 3 to 6 inches long and 0.5 to 1 inch wide. The flowers are small and white, arranged in flat-topped clusters, and bloom from August to October. The plant has a moderate growth rate and requires minimal maintenance, making it an excellent addition to any garden or landscape.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Doellingeria |
Appearance
The Doellingeria Umbellata plant has a distinct appearance that makes it easy to identify. The stem is hairy and has a purplish hue, while the leaves are alternate and lance-shaped, measuring 3 to 6 inches long and 0.5 to 1 inch wide. The leaves are green and have a rough texture. The flowers are small and white, measuring about 0.25 inches in diameter, and are arranged in flat-topped clusters that can reach up to 8 inches in diameter. The clusters can contain up to 200 flowers per plant. The plant blooms from August to October and can grow up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
Care Guide
Doellingeria Umbellata is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
Water
The plant requires moderate watering, especially during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week or more often if the soil is dry.
Fertilization
The plant does not require frequent fertilization. Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil
The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH for the plant is neutral to slightly acidic (6.0 to 7.0).
Sunlight
The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones
The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Doellingeria Umbellata plant is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. These diseases can be prevented by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. The plant can also attract aphids and spider mites, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Doellingeria Umbellata plant is native to North America and is found in areas such as meadows, swamps, and woodlands. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and can grow in full sun to partial shade. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8 and can tolerate cold temperatures and frost.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Doellingeria Umbellata an invasive species?
A: No, Doellingeria Umbellata is not considered an invasive species. It is a native plant that is beneficial to the environment.
Q: Can Doellingeria Umbellata be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Doellingeria Umbellata can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s size and the soil is moist and well-drained.
Q: How often should Doellingeria Umbellata be pruned?
A: Doellingeria Umbellata does not require frequent pruning. However, it can be pruned in the spring to remove dead or damaged branches and promote new growth.
Q: Can Doellingeria Umbellata be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Doellingeria Umbellata can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer. The cuttings should be planted in moist, well-drained soil and kept in a warm, humid environment until they root.
Related Plants
- Doellingeria Infirma
- Doellingeria Umbellata var. Linariifolia
- Doellingeria Umbellata var. Pubens
References
- “Doellingeria umbellata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 22, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280944.
- “Flat-topped white aster.” Plant Conservation Alliance. Accessed September 22, 2021. https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/doellingeria_umbellata.shtml.
- “Doellingeria umbellata.” North Carolina State University. Accessed September 22, 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/doellingeria-umbellata/.
