TL
Family
Asteraceae
Botanical Name
Chrysogonum virginianum
Plant Common Name
Golden Star
General Description
The aptly named Golden Star brings a galaxy of golden, starry flowers to shady, woodland gardens. This hardy perennial is native to the forests of the southeastern United States from Pennsylvania to Florida and west to Louisiana. It is ground hugging and spreads over time via stolons (rooted stems). One unique feature is it’s adapted to withstand both periods of flooding and drought, which makes it ideal for planting in floodplains or shaded areas beneath trees.
Broad clumps of hairy, dark green, opposite leaves develop in spring, which are shortly followed by lots of pretty spring daisies. Flowering typically starts around mid- to late-spring and is at its peak during this time, but flowers may appear intermittently all season long. The golden yellow blooms are five-petaled and quite small but still very showy. They are visited by bees and the spent heads dry to brown.
Filtered sunlight is best for optimal flowering. Golden star is not too picky about soil and can withstand both wet and dry forest understory conditions, though slightly acid, fertile soils with average moisture will yield the most vigorous plants. This is a perfect groundcover for beds around trees. It also softens the edges of woodland pathways and grows well on sloping ground. Though little appreciated, it is a promising plant for sustainable gardens within its native area.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow, Gold
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
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Showy Bark
No
