Native Plant of the Week: Maryland Golden Aster

Family: Asteraceae

Name: Chyrsopsis mariana

Bloom Time: August-October

Flower: Yellow

Soil Condition: Dry, well-drained, sandy

Light: Sun, partial sun

Height/Width: 12-24"/24-36"

Native Range: Eastern US including Long Island

Zone: 4-9

Photos: Flower and form (KMS Native Plants)

Maryland Golden Aster is a drought-tolerant, short-lived perennial. Do not be afraid of the short-lived part because it self-sows readily in the garden. It also spreads slowly from short rhizomes. It is a beautiful addition to a wildflower meadow, but keep it towards the front as it does not like to be shaded out. The early leaves are fuzzy when young.

Maintenance: None necessary.

Benefits: Tolerates light foot traffic, nectar source, and pollinators, including the specialized bees: Andrena fulvipennis, and Perdita boltoniae

Fun Facts: The genus Chrysopsis is from the Greek word krusós, or 'gold,' and ópsis, 'resembling in appearance,' referring to the gold-colored flowers.

Companion Plants: Asclepias tuberosa - butterfly weed, Schizachyrium scoparium - little blue stem, Symphyotrichum laeve - smooth blue aster, Sporobolus heterolepis - prairie dropseed, Penstemon hirsutus - hairy beardtongue

=============================================================

References:

1. https://newyork.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=393

2. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/chrysopsis-mariana/

#pollinatorplants #gardeningwithnativeplants #indigenousplants #nativeplants #nectarsource