Parasol Whitetop
Doellingeria umbellata
- Native to:
- Canada, Prince Edward I., United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © thomasmcelhenney (iNaturalist #15420098)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Doellingeria
- Species:
- Doellingeria umbellata
- USDA Symbol:
- DOUM2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
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)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Common eastern (Bombus impatiens), Spurred Small Carpenter Bee (Ceratina calcarata), Tri-colored bumble (Bombus ternarius), ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) Moths:Acrocercops astericola, Brown-hooded owlet (Cucullia convexipennis), Coleophora bidens, Gnorimoschema Busck Butterflies:Harris's checkerspot (Chlosyne harrisii)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, birds
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, fertile, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- often found in wetlands and meadows
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; surface sow on moist soil.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Wild Seed Project (seeds)
- Pizzo Native Plant Nursery (wholesale nursery)
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)