Chrysopsis mariana
Maryland golden-aster
 
Chrysopsis mariana, or Maryland Golden-Aster, is a short-lived perennial or biennial wildflower that brings a bright, golden punch to late-season landscapes. Native to dry, sandy or rocky soils in open fields and coastal plains, it thrives in full sun and well-drained, low-fertility substrates—making it an ideal candidate for restoration projects and native plantings where tougher conditions prevail.
 
In New England, it pairs well with other dry-soil specialists like Solidago nemoralis (Gray Goldenrod) and Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem), creating vibrant fall color and critical late nectar resources. Pollinators—including sweat bees (Lasioglossum spp.), leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.), and butterflies such as Colias eurytheme (Orange Sulphur)—are frequent visitors to its daisy-like blooms.
 
Though it possibly doesn’t support specialist herbivores, its seeds may attract small birds like Spizella pusilla (Field Sparrow) and contribute modestly to open-habitat biodiversity. C. mariana is a plant that thrives on neglect—tough, cheerful, and unexpectedly vital when many other wildflowers have gone to seed.
 
photo by Choess