The Story
Plant Bio
Chrysopsis mariana, known as Maryland goldenaster, is an upright, clump-forming herbaceous perennial native to dry pinelands, sandy fields, and coastal clearings across the eastern United States. It overwinters as a compact basal rosette of soft, silky-haired leaves before sending up vertical stems topped with vibrant yellow flower heads late in the season.
The daisy-like flower heads feature sticky, glandular bracts and persist from late summer through mid-fall before ripening into fluffy silvery seed heads. Its deep root system and hairy foliage provide high drought tolerance, thriving in lean, gravelly, or sandy soils where other perennials struggle.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
30"
Width
24"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
High Tolerance
Lifespan
Short-lived Perennial
Native To
Eastern & Southeastern United States
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Late summer – Mid fall
In flower about 3 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun to light shade with sandy or gravelly soil that drains rapidly.
- Dig a hole slightly wider than the root container and set the crown level with the soil line.
- Backfill with unamended native soil and tamp lightly to eliminate air pockets.
- Water thoroughly upon planting, then restrict supplemental watering to extreme dry spells once established.
Pro Tip
Provide full sun and lean, sharply drained soil; excessive moisture or rich fertilizers cause weak stems and fatal root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Plant in dry, sandy, or gravelly soils with high drainage.
- Allow spent blooms to mature into seed heads to encourage self-seeding.
- Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart to maintain good air circulation.
Don't
- Do not apply heavy nitrogen fertilizers or compost amendments.
- Avoid planting in low-lying areas subject to standing winter water.
- Do not overwater established plants, as excessive soil moisture triggers crown rot.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Maryland Goldenaster questions
What zones can Maryland Goldenaster grow in?
Maryland Goldenaster is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Maryland Goldenaster deer resistant?
Yes — Maryland Goldenaster is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Maryland Goldenaster bloom?
Maryland Goldenaster typically blooms in late summer through mid fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Maryland Goldenaster need full sun?
Maryland Goldenaster does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Maryland Goldenaster drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Maryland Goldenaster handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Maryland Goldenaster with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.