Flat-topped White Aster

Plant Info

Also known as:	Flat-top Aster, Parasol Whitetop
Scientific name:	Doellingeria umbellata
Family:	Aster (Asteraceae)
Life cycle:	perennial
Origin:	native
Habitat:	sun to part shade; moist; fields, edges of woods, bogs, swamps
Bloom season:	summer
Plant height:	2 to 7 feet
USDA PLANTS database:	Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:	Long Lake Regional Park Rice Creek Trail Corridor Vadnais/Snail Lake Regional Park

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Detailed Information

Flower:

Flowers are in flat clusters to 10 inches across. Individual flowers are from ½ to ¾ inches across with 2 to 15 irregularly spaced white petals (ray flowers) and a yellow center that turns gray-purple with age. Occasionally the cluster is dome shaped instead of flat.

Leaves and stem:

Leaves are 3 to 6 inches long and to 1 inch wide, tapering to a point at both ends, with little or no leaf stem. The edges are rough, but toothless. Attachment is alternate. The main stem is sometimes purple.

More photos

• Flat-topped Aster plant
• a group of Flat-topped Aster 

Photos taken at Pioneer Park, Blaine, MN and Wild River State Park, Center City, MN July-August 2007

Comments

Have you seen this plant in Ramsey County, or have any other comments about it?

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Please: Do not ask about where to buy seed or other gardening questions, are plants edible, etc. I am not a horticulturist or botanist, just an enthusiastic hobbyist so I probably don't know the answer. Please check the links page for additional resources. -thanks much

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