Small Yellow Crownbeard Verbesina occidentalis
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Phaethusa occidentalis
- Description
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Yellow crownbeard is an herbaceous perennial in the aster family (Asteraceae) that is native to the central and eastern USA. In its native environment, it is found in fertile soils near disturbed wetlands, roadside ditches, and pastures.
It adapts to various habitats but flourishes in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil that is consistently moist. Once it is established, the yellow crownbeard is drought-tolerant. It forms 3-8 feet tall clumps, and self-seeds. The yellow crownbeard only needs a slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote profuse blooms.
The showy yellow flowers in clusters appear in late summer to early fall. This easy-to-grow plant is showy and attracts a variety of pollinators including native bees.
Use this plant in the back of the border or in a naturalized area. The vigorous root system and self-seeding properties are useful for erosion control on sloping landscapes. Even though it self-seeds easily, it is not considered invasive.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. However, in poorly drained conditions, it is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, powdery mildew and root rot. The leaves are bitter-tasting and usually discourage deer and rabbits.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Verbesina
- Species:
- occidentalis
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Root Cutting
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Central and Eastern USA
- Distribution:
- AL , DC , DE , FL , GA , IL , KY , MD , MO , MS , NC , OH , OK , PA , SC , TN , TX , VA , WV
- Wildlife Value:
- Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. It also Attracts soldier beetles which is a natural predator for pests such as aphids and mites.
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- deer
- Dimensions:
- Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Wildflower
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- 3 feet-6 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Black
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Achene
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- The fruit containing the seed are usually dispersed by the wind.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Corymb
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Radial
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- The end of the stem contains a cluster of yellow flowers. In the center of each flower are 10 to 20 small yellow disc flowers. They are surrounded by 2 to 5 yellow ray flowers. The odd number of ray flowers gives an unkempt and disheveled appearance. It flowers as masses from late summer to early fall
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Leaves:
- Leaf Feel:
- Smooth
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The ovate leaves are 3 to 8 inches long and 1 to 3 inches wide with serrated margins. They are very narrow at the stalk and have a bitter taste.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Round
- Stem Form:
- Straight
- Stem Surface:
- Hairy (pubescent)
- Stem Description:
- There are distinctive wings along the length of the stem which are present even in the winter. The stems may have hairs.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Naturalized Area
- Riparian
- Slope/Bank
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Problems:
- Weedy
