Sericocarpus linifolius (Narrowleaf Whitetop Aster)

Sericocarpus linifolius is a seldom cultivated perennial, knowns as the narrowleaf whitetop aster. Attractive snowy-white clusters of flowers make a heavy summer showing at the tops of lacy foliage. Whitetop aster flowers are attractive to a wide range of pollinators: small solitary native bees, butterflies, moths, and beneficial wasps, flies and beetles.

Narrowleaf whitetop grows natively in upland savannas and woodlands, and dry meadows, often in clay, sandy, or even poor rocky soils. This species boasts both good drought and moisture tolerance, and its short stature (rarely more than 2 feet tall) makes it an excellent choice for the front of dry garden beds and boulevard plantings. 

It has potential as a container plant as well due to its range of tolerances, polite lack of aggression, its delicate foliage, and low stature.

Propagated by seed from a wild population in Henrico County, Virginia.