Chrysogonum spp.

green-and-gold

Asteraceae Eastern United States

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 5–9

Overview

Chrysogonum spp. is a genus in the daisy family, Asteraceae, represented by the single species C. virginianum, the green-and-gold or golden knee, native to the woodlands of the eastern United States. Plants are low, spreading perennials 4-10 inches (10-25 cm) tall, forming mats by short rhizomes and surface runners. The soft, hairy, oval to triangular leaves are deep green with toothed margins and form a low, ground-covering rosette. From early spring, and often again through summer and into autumn in cooler conditions, the plant carries five-rayed, star-shaped flowerheads about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across in yellow, each on a short stalk above the foliage. The pairing of yellow flowers and green leaves gives the plant its common name. Two botanical varieties differ in habit, one tight and clumping and the other spreading more freely by runners. Plants grow in moist, humus-rich woodland soils in part shade and form weed-suppressing colonies. One limitation is that flowering thins in deep shade and in hot, dry summers, when the foliage can also brown. The species is hardy in zones 5-9.

Native Range

Chrysogonum virginianum is native to the eastern United States, from Pennsylvania and Ohio south to Florida and Louisiana. It grows in moist deciduous woodland, on shaded slopes, and along woodland edges in rich, organic soils.

Suggested Uses

Used as a groundcover and edging in shade and woodland gardens, along paths, and at the front of moist borders. Combines with ferns, Tiarella spp., and spring woodland wildflowers. Suited to naturalizing under deciduous trees and shrubs.

How to Identify

Identify Chrysogonum spp. by its low, mat-forming habit and soft, hairy, deep green oval leaves with toothed edges. The yellow flowerheads have a five-ray pattern, looking like five broad petals around a small central disc. The early and long flowering, low stature, and spread by runners help separate it from other yellow woodland daisies.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4" - 10"

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks

Spring Summer Fall

The main bloom comes in spring, roughly March to May, with scattered flowering continuing through summer and into autumn where summers stay cool and moist. Flowering is heaviest in the spring flush. In hot regions the plant pauses flowering in midsummer heat.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

deep green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Chrysogonum spp. in part shade in moist, humus-rich, freely draining soil; dappled woodland light suits it well. Steady moisture extends flowering and keeps the foliage fresh, while dry soil in full sun causes browning and thin bloom. An annual mulch of leaf mold supports the shallow, spreading roots. Plants spread by runners to form a groundcover and can be divided in spring or autumn to expand a planting. The genus needs little feeding. Slugs may graze the soft foliage in wet spring weather.

Pruning

Shear lightly after the main spring flush to tidy the foliage and encourage repeat bloom. Spent flower stalks can be removed to keep the mat neat. Overgrown patches can be cut back and divided to renew them.

Pruning Schedule

late springsummer