Flat-Topped Aster (Doellingeria umbellata)
Flat-topped Aster (aka Parasol Whitetop), formerly Aster umbellatus is an attractive plant that is host to the Pearl Crescent, Silvery Checkerspot, Harris Checkerspot, and 15 other butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract many different native bees, including 4 specialist bees (Illinoiswildflower.info). This plant is also visited by many herbivores, so it may need to be protected in its early years. Keep in mind that this is a rhizomatous plant, meaning it spreads by underground rhizomes as well as by seed, so it can be vigorous, so be mindful of where you plant it.
Photo credit: Doug McGrady (1), John Blair (2)
Flat-topped Aster (aka Parasol Whitetop), formerly Aster umbellatus is an attractive plant that is host to the Pearl Crescent, Silvery Checkerspot, Harris Checkerspot, and 15 other butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract many different native bees, including 4 specialist bees (Illinoiswildflower.info). This plant is also visited by many herbivores, so it may need to be protected in its early years. Keep in mind that this is a rhizomatous plant, meaning it spreads by underground rhizomes as well as by seed, so it can be vigorous, so be mindful of where you plant it.
Photo credit: Doug McGrady (1), John Blair (2)
Flat-topped Aster (aka Parasol Whitetop), formerly Aster umbellatus is an attractive plant that is host to the Pearl Crescent, Silvery Checkerspot, Harris Checkerspot, and 15 other butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract many different native bees, including 4 specialist bees (Illinoiswildflower.info). This plant is also visited by many herbivores, so it may need to be protected in its early years. Keep in mind that this is a rhizomatous plant, meaning it spreads by underground rhizomes as well as by seed, so it can be vigorous, so be mindful of where you plant it.
Photo credit: Doug McGrady (1), John Blair (2)
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial
Soil Moisture: Wet, Medium-wet, Medium
Height: 5 feet
Plant Spacing: 1-3 feet
Bloom Time: July - September
Bloom Color: Cream
Advantages: Caterpillar Favorite, Pollinator Favorite, Recommended, but can be vigorous
Host Plant: Pearl Crescent, Silvery Checkerspot, Harris Checkerspot and 15 other species of butterflies and moths use this as a caterpillar host plant in our area (nwf.org)
Specialist Bee: Andrena nubecula, A. placata, Perdita octomaculata, and Pseudopanurgus andrenoides (Illinoiswildflower.info)
