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goldenaster
Scientific Name: Chrysopsis
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Golden Aster: A Diverse Group of Yellow Beauties
The name "golden aster" encompasses several plants within the aster family (Asteraceae), all characterized by their vibrant yellow flowers. This common name can refer to species within the genera Chrysopsis and Heterotheca, among others.
Scientific Classification and Nomenclature
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
- Genera: Chrysopsis, Heterotheca, Pityopsis
- Synonyms: Many species previously classified under Chrysopsis are now often placed in Heterotheca. For example:
- Heterotheca pumila Synonym: Chrysopsis pumila (Dwarf Golden Aster)
- Heterotheca canescens Synonym: Chrysopsis berlandieri
- Chrysopsis villosa Synonym: Heterotheca villosa var. hispida
- Examples of species referred to as golden aster:
- Chrysopsis scabrella (Coastalplain goldenaster)
- Chrysopsis floridana (Florida Golden Aster)
- Heterotheca villosa (Hairy False Goldenaster)
- Pityopsis pinifolia (Sandhill Golden-Aster or pine-leaved golden-aster)
- Pityopsis ruthii (Ruth's Golden Aster)
- Heterotheca sessiliflora (Sessileflower False Goldenaster)
Distribution and Habitat
- Golden asters are native to North America.
- Their range extends from eastern New York to Ohio, south to Texas and Florida. Maryland golden-aster ranges from the eastern states to Texas, with limited presence in New England.
- Specific habitats include:
- Premier pine flatwoods
- Sand pine and oak scrub
- Borrow pit lakes
- Freshwater wetlands
- Cabbage palm hammocks
- Open sagebrush grasslands
- Sandplain grassland and heathland plant communities (e.g., Nantucket)
- Scree (Subalpine, alpine locations)
- Some species, like the Florida golden aster (Chrysopsis floridana), have a limited distribution (west-central Florida).
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Golden asters are perennial herbs or subshrubs.
- Stems can be silky and often have a purplish stain. Hairy golden-aster is a very variable plant with differences in stem height.
- Flower heads are typically bright golden-yellow and resemble asters.
- Flowers bloom June through October, especially south of the Mississippi River.
- Some species like Heterotheca jonesii (Creeping Goldenaster) form an evergreen mat.
Ecological Role
- Golden asters provide late-season nectar and pollen for pollinators like leaf-cutter bees.
- Heterotheca villosa (Hairy False Goldenaster) is considered deer resistant.
- Some species grow in areas prone to fire and regenerate after fire events.
Quirky Facts
- In 1811, botanist Thomas Nuttall collected the first known specimen of a golden aster wildflower on the Astor Expedition up the Missouri River.
- Golden asters can cover entire valleys with their bright yellow flowers.
Further Information
- For information on Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks.