Chrysogonum virginianum
northern green-and-gold
Overview
Chrysogonum virginianum is a low, spreading herbaceous perennial reaching 4-10 inches (10-25 cm) tall and spreading 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) by stolons and rhizomes. Leaves are opposite, ovate to triangular, 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long, with scalloped to toothed margins, a hairy texture, and long petioles, forming a low mat. Flower heads are 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across, each with five broad yellow ray florets surrounding a small yellow-green central disk, borne singly on stalks above the foliage. Main bloom runs from April through June, with scattered flowers into autumn in cooler climates. The foliage is semi-evergreen in zones 7-9 and dies back in colder zones. Plants knit together into a groundcover within two to three seasons, rooting where stolon nodes meet soil. Spread slows in dry soil, and foliage thins in deep shade. In hot, humid summers the mat can develop bare patches where crowns rot in poorly drained sites.
Native Range
Native to the eastern United States from Pennsylvania and Ohio south to Florida and Louisiana. Grows in deciduous woodlands, woodland edges, and shaded slopes in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils.Suggested Uses
Planted as a groundcover in shaded borders, woodland gardens, and along path edges at 12-18 inch (30-45 cm) spacing. The stoloniferous var. australe fills ground faster but can spread beyond its intended area, while the clumping var. virginianum stays more contained. Grows in containers of at least 1 gallon (4 L) with consistent moisture.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 10"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Heaviest bloom occurs April through June. In zones 5-6 flowering is concentrated in spring, while in zones 7-9 scattered flowers continue through summer into October. Individual heads last about 1-2 weeks; the spring flush extends 6-8 weeks. Bloom is reduced in deep shade and during summer drought.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
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
Grows in part to full shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Water during establishment and through dry spells; the mat thins where soil stays dry. Topdress with leaf compost in spring to maintain organic matter. Crown rot occurs in heavy, poorly drained soil, especially in hot, humid summers. Slugs feed on young foliage in spring in wet conditions. Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring or autumn to maintain density.Pruning
Shear off tattered foliage in late winter before new growth begins to refresh the mat. Remove spent flower stalks during the season to extend bloom. No structural pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winterearly spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons