Join / Renew / Gift Donate Shop Member Portal Language

Search
npsot_bluebonnet_full_color

Native Plant Society of Texas

Hoary False Goldenaster

Heterotheca canescens

Other common name(s):

Gray Goldenaster

Family:

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Central Great Plains, Chihuahuan Deserts, Cross Timbers, Edwards Plateau, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Southwestern Tablelands, Texas Blackland Prairies
Broken Red Plains, Limestone Plains, Red Prairie
Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas, Stockton Plateau
Carbonate Cross Timbers, Eastern Cross Timbers, Grand Prairie, Limestone Cut Plain, Western Cross Timbers
Balcones Canyonlands, Edwards Plateau Woodland, Llano Uplift
Southern Subhumid Gulf Coastal Prairies
Canadian/Cimarron Breaks, Caprock Canyons Badlands Breaks, Flat Tablelands and Valleys
Floodplains and Low Terraces1, Northern Blackland Prairie, Southern Blackland Prairie

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

0.5
to
1
ft.

Spread

1
to
1.5
ft.

Leaf Retention

Semi Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Calcareous, Clay, Dry, Gravelly, Limestone, Sand

Light Requirement

Sun

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Season

Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Nectar

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies

Maintenance

Very drought tolerant. Use as a low growing plant for a border, or as a groundcover. The low mat of silvery foliage contrasts nicely with other plants. Can be used in a container garden. Not usually available commercially, but can be found at some NPSOT plant sales. Native habitat: outcrops, prairies, open hills, roadsides, fencerows.

Description

Blooms June-September. Hoary False Goldenaster is a low, mounding, much-branched plant. Stems are erect to sprawling. The tiny leaves and stems are covered with a dense coat of hairs giving the plant it’s gray-green color. The flowers are bright yellow and daisy-like. Fruit is a cypselae: a dry single-seeded fruit, usually topped by pappus.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Chrysopsis berlandieri, Chrysopsis canescens, Chrysopsis villosa var. canescens

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Stratification Clean the seeds by removing any plant debris. If applicable, stratify the seeds by placing them in a moist medium such as peat moss or sand and refrigerate for 4-6 weeks to break dormancy. Prepare a well-draining soil mix, preferably sandy or loamy. Fill seed trays or pots with this mix and ensure it is moist but not waterlogged. Sow the seeds thinly on the soil surface. Lightly press them into the soil without burying them deeply. Cover with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite if needed, and mist lightly with water. Place the trays or pots in a location with indirect light and maintain consistent moisture by lightly misting the surface as needed. Monitor for germination, which typically occurs within 14-21 days. After the seeds have germinated and seedlings are established, gradually acclimate hoary false goldenaster to outdoor conditions by placing them in a sheltered area and gradually exposing them to more sunlight. Once strong enough, transplant seedlings into a well-draining location with full sunlight. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, as hoary false goldenaster prefers slightly drier conditions. Collect seeds from mature hoary false goldenaster flowers. Ensure the seeds are fully ripened and dry before gathering. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Heterotheca_canescens.html#:~:text=Hoary%20false%20goldenaster%2C%20commonly%20found%20in%20sunny%2C,conditions%20is%20crucial%20to%20prevent%20root%20rot.
Seed No Treatment Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost. Seeds germinate best in moist soil under warm temperatures. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Look for a sunny spot with loose, fertile soil to ensure your seedlings thrive. Scatter seeds thinly across the chosen area and lightly cover them with soil. Gently water the area to encourage germination. Germination will occur in approximately 2 weeks. Once seedlings emerge, thin them to about 6-12 inches apart, leaving the strongest plants to grow. This allows for better air circulation and promotes healthy growth. Collect seeds when flower heads turn white and fluffy. 1) https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-heterotheca-canescens/ 2) NPSOT Austin member input
Clump Division Separate established plants into smaller portions. Dig up a mature plant and gently divide it into sections, ensuring each division has healthy roots. Replant immediately and water as needed until roots are established. The best time to divide Heterotheca canescens is in the spring or fall. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-heterotheca-canescens/
Stem Cutting Cut a 4-6 inch stem just below a leaf node and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Take stem cuttings in late spring or early summer. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-heterotheca-canescens/

About the Region

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason