Chrysogonum, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
Green-and-gold
Overview
Chrysogonum 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, and spring woodland wildflowers. Suited to naturalizing under deciduous trees and shrubs.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 10"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
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 greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Chrysogonum 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
Prune: May–June
late springsummer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons
