Cornel-Leaf Whitetop

Doellingeria infirma

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Doellingeria
Species:
Doellingeria infirma

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
4-6 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
jul, aug, sep
Bloom Colors:
White, Yellow

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Bee Keystone:
★★☆☆☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

aeroplane looper moth (Diachrysia aereoides), Allen's Aphelia (Aphelia alleniana), Brown-hooded owlet (Cucullia convexipennis), Carmenta corni, Coleophora bidens, Cucullia florea, Cucullia postera, Dichrorampha immaculata, Gnorimoschema gallaeasterella, Impecunious Borer Moth (Papaipema impecuniosa), Melanchra assimilis, Puss Moth (Eupsilia devia), Spiramater lutra, Striped Garden Caterpillar Moth (Trichordestra legitima), Uncertain (Allagrapha aerea), Harris's Cracker (Charidryas harrisii), orange oakleaf (Charidryas nycteis), Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos), tawny crescent (Phyciodes batesii)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers forest edges and clearings

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: None required

Establishment: Seeds collected in Acadia National Park, Maine by Martin van der Grinten in September/October by hand harvest. The range of flat-topped Aster is from Newfoundland to Minnesota and Illinois, and south to Georgia. Found in open fields and borders of wetter areas.

Source: npn.rngr.net