Doellingeria umbellata aka Umbellate Aster

Taxonomy

Doellingeria umbellata, also known as tall flat-topped white aster, parasol whitetop, or tall white-aster, is a North American plant species in the Asteraceae family. It is native to Canada, St. Pierre and Miquelon, and the eastern and north-central United States. This perennial plant can grow up to 200 cm tall and spreads through underground rhizomes. It produces numerous small flower heads, each with white ray florets and yellow disc florets. There are two varieties of Doellingeria umbellata: var. pubens and var. umbellata. It prefers full sun or part-shade and moist or draining wet soils with a slightly acid to moderately acid or slightly alkaline reaction. As a houseplant, the tall flat-topped white aster requires regular watering and thrives in long-lasting, direct light, preferably within a foot's distance from a window. It also prefers well-draining soil. The plant has deciduous lance-shaped leaves and in summer, the stems are adorned with flat, wide heads of small white flowers, followed by silvery seedheads in autumn.

Common names

Umbellate Aster, Tall Flat Top White Aster, Whitetop Aster, Tall Flat Topped White Aster, Parasol Whitetop

How to care for Umbellate Aster

Water

Umbellate Aster should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Umbellate Aster loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Umbellate Aster thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Tall Flat Topped White Aster.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Growth-pattern

Umbellate Aster grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.


More info:
Wikipedia