Chrysopsis mariana
maryland golden-aster
Overview
Chrysopsis mariana, Maryland golden-aster, is an upright perennial of the daisy family that grows 12–30 inches (30–75 cm) tall from a basal rosette. New stems and leaves are clothed in long, silky white hairs that shed as the plant matures, leaving the oblong leaves 1–4 inches (2.5–10 cm) long. From late summer into fall it carries clusters of yellow flower heads about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across, each with a ring of ray florets around a yellow disc. The heads sit in flat-topped clusters on branching upper stems, and the seeds that follow bear a tan pappus that carries them on the wind. It grows from a slowly spreading crown rather than running roots, forming tidy clumps over a few seasons. Native to dry, sandy ground, it withstands heat and drought but declines in heavy, wet soils where the crown can rot. The species occupies open woodland edges, sandhills, and roadside banks throughout the eastern United States. Its late bloom season supplies nectar and pollen to bees and butterflies after many summer flowers have faded.
Native Range
Chrysopsis mariana is native to the eastern United States, ranging from New York and Ohio south to Florida and west to Texas. It grows in dry, sandy soils of pine and oak woodland, sandhills, clearings, and roadsides.Suggested Uses
Used in sandy and gravelly beds, native meadows, pollinator plantings, and dry roadside restorations. Its late flowers suit fall borders and naturalized areas, though it is less suited to rich, moist garden soil.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'6"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Green, silky-hairy when youngGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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