Hairy False Golden-aster
Heterotheca villosa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Heterotheca villosa is a drought-tolerant native wildflower blooming yellow from July through September across the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain states.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Hairy False Golden-aster as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 8"–16" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
CO, KS, MI, MT and 4 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Hairy false golden-aster is a compact perennial wildflower that produces bright yellow daisy-like blooms from July through September. This drought-tolerant native forms neat clumps and requires minimal care once established. The fuzzy gray-green foliage provides texture even when not in bloom.
Growing Hairy False Golden-aster
Grow Hairy False Golden-aster in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 8 to 16 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Hairy False Golden-aster 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: mid zone, backyard only.
- Common name includes 'aster' which may raise HOA concerns
- Can appear scraggly during winter dormancy
- May be perceived as weedy due to wildflower appearance
Wildlife value
The cheerful yellow flowers attract a variety of pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and beetles throughout the late summer months. This plant provides important late-season nectar when many other flowers have finished blooming.
Common questions
- When does Hairy False Golden-aster bloom?
- Heterotheca villosa blooms from July through September, producing bright yellow daisy-like flowers that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Hairy False Golden-aster?
- This native wildflower attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles during its summer and fall blooming period.
- Where is Heterotheca villosa native?
- Hairy False Golden-aster is native to Colorado, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
- What growing conditions does this plant prefer?
- Heterotheca villosa thrives in full sun locations with low water requirements, making it excellent for drought-tolerant landscaping in its native range.
- Is Hairy False Golden-aster toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Hairy False Golden-aster as toxic to livestock.
- Is Hairy False Golden-aster HOA-friendly?
- Hairy False Golden-aster 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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Hairy False Golden-aster? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz