How much sun does Cornel-leaf Whitetop need?

Cornel-leaf Whitetop grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Cornel-leaf Whitetop bloom?

Cornel-leaf Whitetop blooms in July, August, September, and October.

Where is Cornel-leaf Whitetop native?

Cornel-leaf Whitetop (Doellingeria infirma) is native to AL, CT, DE, FL and 14 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Cornel-leaf Whitetop attract?

Cornel-leaf Whitetop draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.

Is Cornel-leaf Whitetop HOA-friendly?

Cornel-leaf Whitetop takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Cornel-leaf Whitetop

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Doellingeria infirma

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Cornel-leaf Whitetop (Doellingeria infirma) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–60" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

AL, CT, DE, FL and 14 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Northern Forests Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau

Cornel-leaf whitetop is a native perennial that produces clusters of small white daisy-like flowers from summer through fall. This upright wildflower grows 2-5 feet tall with a narrow spread, making it suitable for naturalized areas and pollinator gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

Cornel-leaf Whitetop takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Has a wild, informal appearance that may be perceived as weedy
Relatively tall and can look unkempt between blooming cycles
Name includes 'whitetop' which some associate with invasive species

Wildlife value

This plant attracts a diverse range of pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and beetles during its extended blooming period. The seeds also provide food for birds in late fall and winter.

Common questions

How much sun does Cornel-leaf Whitetop need?: Cornel-leaf Whitetop grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Cornel-leaf Whitetop bloom?: Cornel-leaf Whitetop blooms in July, August, September, and October.
Where is Cornel-leaf Whitetop native?: Cornel-leaf Whitetop (Doellingeria infirma) is native to AL, CT, DE, FL and 14 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Cornel-leaf Whitetop attract?: Cornel-leaf Whitetop draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Is Cornel-leaf Whitetop HOA-friendly?: Cornel-leaf Whitetop takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Cornel-leaf Whitetop? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz