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cottony goldenaster

Scientific Name: Chrysopsis gossypina ssp. hyssopifolia

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cottony Goldenaster (Chrysopsis gossypina)

The Cottony Goldenaster, scientifically known as Chrysopsis gossypina, is a native North American flowering plant belonging to the aster family.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Chrysopsis gossypina (Michx.) Elliott
  • Common Name: Cottony Goldenaster, Cottonleaf Golden-aster
  • Family: Asteraceae (Aster Family)
  • Rank: Species
  • Synonyms:
    • Heterotheca pilosa
    • Heterotheca gossypina (Michx.) Shinners
    • Chrysopsis longii Fernald
  • Subspecies:
    • Chrysopsis gossypina subsp. gossypina
    • Chrysopsis gossypina subsp. cruiseana (Dress) Semple
    • Chrysopsis gossypina ssp. hyssopifolia
  • Other Related Species:
    • Chrysopsis scabrella (Coastalplain goldenaster)
    • Chrysopsis floridana (Florida Goldenaster)
    • Chrysopsis delaneyi (DeLaney's golden-aster)
    • Chrysopsis falcata (Sickle-Leaved Golden Aster)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the Coastal Plain of North America.
  • Found from Florida north to Virginia.
  • Common in the NC coastal plain in sandy areas.
  • Thrives in sandy areas, including dunes in the Panhandle of Florida.
  • Also found in Alabama.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • A perennial forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).
  • Known for its bright yellow fall flowers.
  • Leaves are pubescent (covered with silky hairs), giving it a cottony appearance. The species epithet gossypina derives from the Latin "gossypi(um)" meaning "cotton" referring to the pubescence of the plant.

Ecological Role

  • Metallic green halictid bees are known to visit this plant.

Further Information

  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Focused on protecting and preserving North America's native plants.
  • Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Chrysopsis gossypina.
  • United States Department of Agriculture