Maryland Goldensaster

Chrysopsis mariana or Maryland goldenaster is a perennial native Florida wildflower and a food source for butterflies, moths, wasps and other small invertebrates plus hummingbirds. During most of the year, it consists of a low rosette of hairy leaves but in August through October it sends up foot tall shoots with golden yellow flowers on forked branches at the top. The flowers last several days then seed heads replace the blooms.

by Lee Vanderpool

The Maryland goldenaster occurs from New York to Florida making it one of the most dependable late flowering natives. It thrives in damp to wet locations in pinelands and sandy areas and can be in full sun to part shade.

Propagation is by seed planted in autumn or early spring, by clump division, or severing of short rhizomes.