Flat-topped White Aster
(Doellingeria umbellata)
(formerly Aster umbellatus)

Flat-topped White Aster (Doellingeria umbellata) Other common names: Flat-topped Aster, Umbellate Aster

Other scientific names: Aster umbellatus, Aster pubentior

French names: Aster à ombelles

Family: Aster Family (Asteraceae), Composite Family (Compositae)

Group: Asters

Distinctive features: Flat-topped white flower head with white flowers. Vein pattern on leaves.

Similar species:
  •   Large-leaved Aster (Eurybia macrophylla)


Flowers: Summer, Fall;  White;  7 or more parts (petals);  2cm in diameter. Ray flowers: 4-15, white. Disc flowers: 10-40, yellow becoming brown. Usually arranged in a flat-topped cluster, but with exceptions.

Leaves: Lance-shaped, with prominent veins. They are smooth when rubbed in one direction, rough the other way.

Height: 1-2 m (2-5 ft)

Stem: Sometimes purplish

Habitat: Moist woods and swamps, fens.

Lifespan: Perennial.

Books: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 462    Peterson's Field Guide to Wildflowers: 96   

Native/Non-native: Native

Status: Moderately common

Notes: This Aster is fairly easy to recognize due to the flat-topped flower umbel (although it does vary a bit). Look for the prominent vein pattern on the leaves, which is distinctive.

Origin and Meaning of Names:
 Scientific Name: umbellata: bearing umbelsumbellatus: like umbels


Photographs: 132 photographs available, of which 13 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

  

Here's how Flat-topped White Aster got its name - the flowers are in a more or less flat-topped umbel.

This photo shows the overall shape and form of Flat-topped White Aster.

The white flowers of Flat-topped White Aster.

Close-up of the flowers. Note the relatively few very pale blue or white rays ("petals").

Flat-topped White Aster seeds in late fall.

Flower buds at the end of July.

Flat-topped White Aster leaf, showing upper surface.The leaves have very prominent veins.

Underside of a leaf.

Leaves. Note the pattern of the veins.

Underside of a leaf, with dew.

Flat-topped White Aster stems are finely hairy, and sometimes purplish.
  

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