Aster umbellatus 

'Flat Topped Aster'

[Syn. Doellingeria umbellate]

Asteraceae: a perennial up to 200cm tall, spreading by means of underground rhizomes. Found on wet sandy sites including prairies, meadows, open woods, thickets, bogs, marshes, savannas, creek banks and seeps. Flat topped clusters of starry white daisies. Blooming from August – October. The stem leaves are oval and smooth with a fringe of hairs around the edge. Native to Eastern United States except for Florida, Louisiana, Arkansas and Missouri.

USES:

The Mohegan Indians used this plant as a gastrointestinal aid. An infusion of the leaves is said to be good for the stomach. The Potawatomi used the plant for witchcraft medicine. The flowers smudged to repel evil spirits from the sickroom.

GROWING INFORMATION:

These seeds germinate rapidly depending on species and origin. If germination does not occur after 3–4 weeks a cooling period of 2–4 weeks is recommended. Plants prefer full sun to part shade and an average to moist soil. Plants host caterpillars of the Pearl Crescent Butterfly, Silvery Checkerspot Butterfly and several species of moths.

Attractive to bees, butterflies, and moths.

HARVESTED: 2021

 

APPROX. 50+ SEEDS