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.

Cottony goldenaster

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Chrysopsis gossypina

Last reviewed: August 2026

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 431 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

Western Gulf Coastal Plain Eastern Temperate Forests Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

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.

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.

Ready to grow Cottony goldenaster? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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