Overview
Doellingeria umbellata (P. Mill.) Nees ssp. pubens (Gray) A.& D. Löve, commonly known as hairy mountain aster, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to North America. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is a common sight in woodland areas, rocky slopes, and along stream banks.
Appearance
The plant typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet and has hairy stems that are often purplish in color. The leaves are alternate, lanceolate to ovate in shape, and have a coarse texture. The edges of the leaves are toothed, and the upper surface is dark green, while the lower surface is lighter and hairy. The flowers are small, about ½ inch in size, and usually, bloom in late summer to early fall. The flower head has white to pale lilac rays and yellow centers, forming a flat-topped cluster.
Common Names
Doellingeria umbellata is commonly known as Hairy Mountain Aster, Flat-top White Aster, Flat-Topped Aster, Parry's Aster, and Mountain Doo.
Uses
The Hairy Mountain Aster has several medicinal uses. The Native American tribes used the plant as a remedy to treat colds, urinary tract infections, diarrhea, and skin irritations. The plant contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and astringent properties. The root and leaves of the plant were used to make an infusion, which was taken orally or used topically to treat various ailments. Today, the plant is used in herbal medicine to relieve coughs, colds, and respiratory infections. It is also an essential food source for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Light Requirements
Doellingeria umbellata ssp. pubens thrives best in areas with partial shade to full sun exposure. The plant can tolerate some degree of shade but may require more sunlight for optimum growth.
Temperature Requirements
The species can grow in a wide range of temperatures. The plant can tolerate cold temperatures but may require some protection from frost. The ideal temperature ranges for growth are between 15°C to 30°C during the growing season and between 10°C to 15°C during the dormant season.
Soil Requirements
Doellingeria umbellata ssp. pubens prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter. The plant requires soils that are slightly acidic to neutral with pH levels ranging from 5.0 to 7.0. It can also grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils.
The plant can tolerate drought and waterlogged soils but may require regular watering to prevent dehydration during the hot summer months. Additionally, the plant may benefit from the addition of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure, which can help improve soil moisture retention and fertility.
Cultivation Methods for Doellingeria Umbellata
Doellingeria umbellata, commonly known as flat-top white aster, requires a slightly shaded area to grow. Plant it in well-draining soil and ensure it receives enough sunlight. It can tolerate some acidic soil but grows best in neutral to slightly alkaline soil, with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
Watering Needs for Doellingeria Umbellata
Overwatering can be harmful to flat-top white aster. Water the plant regularly but ensure that the soil is not waterlogged. It is best to water deeply and infrequently than to water shallowly and often. During the dry season, it is advisable to increase the watering frequency.
Fertilization for Doellingeria Umbellata
Apply a slow-release fertilizer to Doellingeria umbellata during the spring, which is the beginning of the growing season. A soil test can help determine the mineral and nutrient deficiencies present in your soil. Compost and organic matter can be beneficial in improving the soil quality, thereby enhancing the health and growth of Doellingeria umbellata.
Pruning for Doellingeria Umbellata
Doellingeria umbellata does not require regular pruning, but it is important to remove any dead or diseased parts of the plant established during its growing phase. Doing so helps to prevent infection and improve the health of the plant. Frequent pruning may cause the plant to stop blooming or reduce the growth of flowering stalks.
Propagation of Doellingeria umbellata ssp. pubens
Doellingeria umbellata ssp. pubens, commonly known as the hairy leaf aster, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant is native to the eastern part of North America and is commonly found in damp habitats such as wet meadows, swamps, and marshes. The hairy leaf aster can be propagated by several methods including seed propagation, division, cuttings, and layering.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Doellingeria umbellata ssp. pubens is through seed propagation. The seeds can be collected from the plant in late summer or early fall. Once collected, the seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place until the following spring. In the spring, the seeds can be sown into a seed tray filled with a mix of potting soil and sand. The tray should be placed in a warm, sunny location and kept moist until the seeds germinate. The young plants can be transplanted into individual containers once they have produced their second set of leaves.
Division
Doellingeria umbellata ssp. pubens can also be propagated through division. This method involves separating the plant into several smaller sections and replanting them. The best time to divide the plant is in the spring before new growth begins. Using a sharp spade, cut through the clump of plants and separate them into smaller sections. Replant the sections in a suitable location and keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
Cuttings
Another method of propagating Doellingeria umbellata ssp. pubens is through cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting from the plant and rooting it in a suitable growing medium. The best time to take cuttings is in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Using a sharp knife, take a cutting from the plant just below a node. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only a few leaves at the top. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with a mix of potting soil and sand. Keep the pot in a warm, humid location and water it regularly until new growth appears.
Layering
Layering is another method of propagating Doellingeria umbellata ssp. pubens. This method involves bending a low-growing stem to the ground and covering it with soil to encourage the stem to root. Once the stem has rooted, it can be separated from the parent plant and replanted. The best time to layer the plant is in the early spring before new growth begins. Choose a healthy, low-growing stem and bend it to the ground. Bury the stem in the soil, leaving only the tip exposed. Keep the soil moist until the stem has rooted, then separate it from the parent plant and replant it in a suitable location.
Disease Management
Doellingeria umbellata is generally a hardy plant with few disease problems. However, it can still be affected by some common plant diseases that may cause damage to its foliage or roots.
One potential disease that can affect this plant is powdery mildew, which appears as a white powdery substance on the plant's leaves and stems. This can reduce photosynthesis and stunt the growth of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, ensure the plant has good air circulation and try to avoid wetting the foliage during watering. There are also several fungicides that can effectively manage powdery mildew.
Another disease that can affect Doellingeria umbellata is rust, which appears as orange, brown, or black spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. Rust can weaken the plant and reduce its growth, especially when it occurs in large quantities. To manage rust, remove affected plant materials and destroy them. Fungicides can also be used to control rust, but it is important to use a product that is specifically designed for rust management.
Pest Management
Doellingeria umbellata is also generally resistant to pest infestations, but there are still a few insects that may cause damage to the plant.
One common pest that can affect this plant is the aphid, which can cause stunting or distortion of growth and can spread viruses. To manage aphid infestations, consider introducing natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to the garden. Neem oil and insecticidal soaps can also be effective in controlling aphids.
Caterpillars can also be a problem for Doellingeria umbellata. These insects can damage the plant's foliage and reduce its growth. To manage caterpillars, handpick them from the plant or use a biological insecticide such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
To avoid pest infestations in general, maintain good garden hygiene by removing any debris or dead plant materials regularly, and try to avoid over-fertilizing the plant, which can make it more attractive to pests.
