Maryland Goldenaster

Maryland Goldenaster (Chrysopsis mariana)

Maryland Goldenaster (Chrysopsis mariana) is a tough, late-season native perennial prized for its clusters of bright, golden-yellow daisies held over gray-green, softly hairy foliage. Blooming from late summer into fall, this drought-tolerant wildflower thrives in lean, well-drained soils and blazing sun, bringing long-lasting color and pollinator activity to meadows, dry borders, and restoration plantings.

Distinctive Features

Compact, upright clumps (often 12 to 24 inches tall) carry many-branched stems topped with showy, nectar-rich blooms; foliage and stems have a subtle silvery cast from fine hairs; flowers support late-season bees, small butterflies, and beneficial insects; excellent staying power in heat, wind, and poor soils.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun.
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or gravelly loam; tolerates poor, low-fertility sites.
• Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9.
• Mature Size: About 12 to 24 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide.

Ideal Uses

• Pollinator Gardens: Reliable late nectar for native bees and butterflies.
• Meadows and Prairies: Blends with grasses and other sun lovers for naturalized displays.
• Dry Slopes and Sandy Beds: Performs where many perennials struggle.
• Restoration and Native Plantings: Southeast and Mid-Atlantic native for resilient habitat value.
• Borders and Edges: Low, bright color ribbon late in the season.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water to establish, then deep but infrequent watering; avoid soggy soils.
• Deadheading: Remove spent clusters to tidy or extend bloom; leave some for seed and wildlife.
• Fertilizing: Generally unnecessary; excessive fertility reduces sturdiness.
• Cutback: Shear in late winter or early spring to refresh growth.
• Division: Divide clumps every 3 to 4 years to maintain vigor and spacing.

Why Choose Maryland Goldenaster?

• Late-Season Color: Golden blooms carry gardens through the fall.
• Native and Wildlife Friendly: Supports pollinators and beneficial insects.
• Heat and Drought Tough: Thrives in hot, dry, low-input landscapes.
• Soil Flexibility: Performs in lean, sandy, or rocky sites.
• Design Versatility: Equally at home in naturalistic meadows or tidy, dry borders.

Chrysopsis mariana delivers durable, sun-loving color, habitat value, and easy care where drainage is sharp and summer heat is high, making it a dependable highlight for water-wise, pollinator-friendly plantings.