Flat-top White Aster Doellingeria umbellataAlternative names: Tall White Aster, Umbel AsterFrench: Aster à ombelles Flat-top White Aster is a tall, elegant native wildflower that really shines in late summer and early fall. Its broad clusters of white blooms create a bright, cloud-like effect and provide a crucial nectar source when few other plants are still flowering. It’s a great companion to tall goldenrods like Solidago rugosa or S. altissima in meadow-style gardens. Its flowers are loved by bees, wasps, butterflies, and moths, while the leaves support many small insects, including leaf miners and the striking Harris’s Checkerspot butterfly (Chlosyne harrisii). Later in the season, the seeds feed small songbirds, including sparrows. This species stands tall—up to 2 metres—and does well in sun to part-shade, particularly in moist, rich soils. It’s ideal for pollinator gardens, naturalized meadows, rain gardens, or along forest edges. Height: 1–2 metresBloom time: August to SeptemberLight: Full sun to part shadeMoisture: Moist to moderateSoil: Prefers rich, well-drained soilHabitat: Meadows, prairies, open woods, wetland edgesEcological benefits: Supports pollinators and butterflies, seeds feed songbirdsEdible: Not edible
