Flat Top Aster (Doellingeria umbellata)
Doellingeria um-bell-AY-tah

Deciduous Perennial Upright
Magnificent, tall perennial with flat-topped, white blossom clusters.

Doellingeria umbellata, commonly known as parasol white aster or flat-top white umbel, is a native North American perennial that adds graceful, late-season interest to the garden.

Growing 4-6 feet tall, this upright, clump-forming aster produces an abundance of small, daisy-like flowers atop sturdy, branching stems. In late summer and fall, the terminal umbels open to reveal hundreds of delicate, white petals surrounding sunny yellow centers. The blooms appear in loose, flat-topped clusters, lending a lacy, airy quality to the plant's overall appearance.

The foliage of Doellingeria umbellata is equally attractive, with dark green, lance-shaped leaves that turn a warm reddish-purple in autumn, complementing the plant's late-season flowers. This native aster is adaptable to a range of well-drained soil types and grows best in full sun to partial shade.

Once established, Doellingeria umbellata is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it a resilient choice for borders, meadows, and naturalized areas. Its prolific blooms attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies, moths, and bees, supporting a healthy ecosystem in the garden.

In addition to its ornamental appeal, parasol white aster is an important host plant for the caterpillars of several species of moths and butterflies, further enhancing its value in sustainable, eco-friendly landscapes.

With its airy, late-season flowers and multi-season interest, Doellingeria umbellata is a versatile and captivating native perennial that deserves a place in many gardens.
 

Plant Data

Mature Size 4 - 6 feet tall. 24 - 36 inches wide.
Sun Exposure Partial Shade - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance Medium - Wet
Zones 2a - 7b (Usually hardy to -50° F)
Tags Deciduous, Full Sun, Medium, Partial Shade, Partial Sun, Perennial, Wet
Bloom Period July to September
Flower Color White
Want More photos of this plant? Try Google Image Search!
 


Pricing and Availability History

Click a label to toggle visibility for that size

© North Shore Plant Club 2025. Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions.

Limited Availability

We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!


Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


Benefits of Membership

Want a better way to get great plants and make your yard look awesome? Create your account below and get:

  • The best plants… from the same sources the pros use, but at near wholesale prices
  • More plants in more sizes than anywhere else… whether you’re looking for classics or rarities; annuals, perennials or shrubs; one plant or a whole yardful!
  • "No Contact" delivery or easy pick-up at a site near you without fighting the retail crowds. You choose!

Membership is free, but — since we rely on delivery and local pick-up — you have to live near one of our hubs (or be willing to drive to a site to pick them up). If you live farther away, and would like to help us bring the club to your neighbors, please email helpusgrow@northshoreplantclub.com.

Already a member?

Login

No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!