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Golden Hedge-Hyssop

Gratiola aurea

Last reviewed: June 2026

Golden Hedge-Hyssop (Gratiola aurea)
Photo: Chris Hoess / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

4"–12" H × 3"–8" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

NJ

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Golden hedge hyssop is a small native perennial that forms compact mats of bright green foliage. It produces tiny golden-yellow flowers throughout summer and thrives in consistently moist conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Golden Hedge-Hyssop takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Very small flowers may appear insignificant
  • High water needs could create maintenance challenges
  • Uncommon plant that HOAs may not recognize as intentional landscaping

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract native bees and provide nectar for butterflies during the long blooming season from May through August.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Golden Hedge-Hyssop fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.