SafePlants

Soft Goldenaster (Bradburia pilosa or Chrysopsis pilosa)

The common name "golden aster" refers to several plants in the aster family with yellow flowers. This page focuses on the plant known as Soft Goldenaster.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is referred to as "hairy" or "soft-haired" due to the presence of hairs on the leaves and stems.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is referred to as "hairy" or "soft-haired" due to the presence of hairs on the leaves and stems.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Bradburia pilosa or Chrysopsis pilosa
• Common Names: Soft goldenaster, Camphorweed, Aster, Soft Golden-aster
• Family: Asteraceae (Aster or Daisy Family)
• Synonyms: Chrysopsis pilosa Nutt., Heterotheca pilosa, Chrysopsis nuttallii

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the south-central United States.
• Found in dry habitats.
• Observed in locations such as Bastrop County, Texas, and College Station, Texas (Lick Creek Park).

Morphological Characteristics

• Annual plant, rarely exceeding 2 feet in height.
• Stems are erect, usually simple, and can be sparsely to densely pilose (hairy).
• Leaves are basal and cauline (stem leaves), arranged alternately. Basal leaves wither early; petiole present on basal leaves.
• Flowerheads are less than 1 inch wide.
• Dark green herbage.

Ecological Role

• Considered unpalatable to livestock.
• May be considered an invader on native rangeland.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Grasshoppers have been observed on the flower heads.

Quirky Facts

• The species name "villosa" means "soft-hairy," referring to the hairs on the leaves and stems.
• The dark green herbage of soft golden aster distinguishes it from similar species of the Heterotheca genus.

Resources and Further Information

• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database
• Discover Life page about Chrysopsis pilosa
• Dave's Garden
• United States Department of Agriculture