Doellingeria umbellata - Parasol Whitetop

Morphology/Growth Habits: A member of the aster family, this perennial has abundant white flowers that bloom in the summer, much earlier than other members of its family. Upright form. Lanceolate, smooth foliage. Flowers bloom in branched, flat clusters containing dozens of flowers each. Spreads by seed and rhizomes. 

Height: 5-6 ft

Light: Full Sun-Part Sun

Moisture: Medium-Wet

Bloom color: White

Bloom time: July-Sept

Habitat/Best Environments: Found in moist thickets, swamp edges, Prefers sandier, moist soil and sunny conditions. This makes it a good option for a rain garden!

Ecological relationships: Attracts a wide variety of wildlife, including pollinators, deer, rabbits, and wild turkeys. Larval host for Harris Checkerspot, Silvery Checkerspot, and Pearl Crescent caterpillars. Also has 4 specialist bee species!

*Used to make tea for stomach pain in Mohegan medicine, and flowers are used to smudge in Potawatomi medicine.

*Please soil test and do proper research before growing a plant for human consumption.