Doellingeria umbellata - Flat Top Aster - 3" Pot

Flat top aster is a handsome upright perennial that blooms prolifically for several weeks in late summer, earlier than most other asters. Flat top aster readily self seeds and spreads through rhizomes in full sun and moist, well-drained conditions, forming dense colonies. The neat, linear foliage grows generously along the tall, sturdy stems, lending to a full, bushy appearance when individuals are grouped in masses. The abundant blooms are gathered into flat-topped clusters of small white aster flowers with yellow to pink centers, attracting a diverse array of pollinators such as bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, and beetles. Flat top aster also serves as a larval host for the pearly crescent and Harris checkerspot butterflies. Moreover, its foliage is eaten by wildlife such as deer, rabbits, and turkeys. This species may overwhelm small plantings, but is well suited to water sites, naturalized plantings, and pollinator gardens.