Contents
Description
Heterotheca Canescens, commonly known as Gray Golden Aster, is a perennial plant native to North America. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and produces yellow flowers that bloom in late summer to early fall. The plant is known for its medicinal properties, and its roots and leaves have been used by Native Americans to treat various ailments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Anthophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Heterotheca |
Appearance
The Gray Golden Aster plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It has gray-green leaves that are hairy and lance-shaped, with toothed edges. The plant produces yellow flowers that have a diameter of up to 2 inches and a central disk of small yellow flowers. The flowers bloom in clusters and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
The Gray Golden Aster plant requires moderate watering and well-draining soil. It should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. The plant prefers full sun and can tolerate partial shade. It is hardy in zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Gray Golden Aster plant is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. Overwatering and poor air circulation can increase the risk of these diseases.
Habitat
The Gray Golden Aster plant is native to North America and can be found in dry prairies, rocky slopes, and open woods. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Gray Golden Aster plant be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as it has well-draining soil and is not overwatered.
Q: Can the Gray Golden Aster plant be grown from seed?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown from seed. The seeds should be sown in the spring or fall in well-draining soil.
Q: How often should the Gray Golden Aster plant be fertilized?
A: The plant should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How tall can the Gray Golden Aster plant grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall.
Related Plants
- Heterotheca Villosa
- Heterotheca Subaxillaris
- Heterotheca Incana
- Heterotheca Fulcrata
References
- “Heterotheca canescens,” Missouri Botanical Garden, accessed September 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b515
- “Heterotheca canescens,” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, accessed September 2021, https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=HECA5
- “Gray Golden Aster,” USDA Forest Service, accessed September 2021, https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/heterotheca_canescens.shtml
