Cottony goldenaster
Chrysopsis gossypina
Last reviewed: November 2026
Cottony goldenaster (Chrysopsis gossypina) is a biennial forb native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 4 more states. It blooms in September, October, and November. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.
Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Cottony goldenaster, free in the app.
Toxicity unknown
Cottony goldenaster (Chrysopsis gossypina) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 4 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 461 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
Cottony golden aster is a short-lived perennial forb with woolly, cotton-like foliage and bright yellow daisy flowers in fall. It grows in sandy scrub and coastal dune habitat.
Growing Cottony goldenaster
Grow Cottony goldenaster in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Cottony goldenaster takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Has a wild, informal appearance that resembles weeds
- May look unkempt during dormant periods
- Common name includes 'weed-like' goldenaster association
Wildlife value
The fall flowers are an important late-season nectar source for bees and migrating butterflies.
Common questions
- How much sun does Cottony goldenaster need?
- Cottony goldenaster grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Cottony goldenaster bloom?
- Cottony goldenaster blooms in September, October, and November.
- Where is Cottony goldenaster native?
- Cottony goldenaster (Chrysopsis gossypina) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 4 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Cottony goldenaster attract?
- Cottony goldenaster draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Cottony goldenaster HOA-friendly?
- Cottony goldenaster takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Cottony goldenaster? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.