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Verbesina occidentalis is often confused with:
Verbesina alternifolia Form
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Baptisia tinctoria Baptisia tinctoria
Echinacea laevigata Echinacea laevigata
Viola pubescens Form

Small Yellow Crownbeard Verbesina occidentalis

Previously known as:

  • Phaethusa occidentalis
Description

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:
Tags:
#drought tolerant#fall flowers#yellow flowers#low maintenance#NC native#summer flowers#deer resistant#native garden#naturalized area#NC Native Pollinator Plant#border back#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#pollinator garden
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#drought tolerant#fall flowers#yellow flowers#low maintenance#NC native#summer flowers#deer resistant#native garden#naturalized area#NC Native Pollinator Plant#border back#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#pollinator garden
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Native Plant
    Wildflower
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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