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Hoary False Goldenaster

Heterotheca canescens

Last reviewed: October 2026

Hoary False Goldenaster (Heterotheca canescens)
Photo: (c) Catherine C. Galley, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Catherine C. Galley

Toxicity unknown

Hoary False Goldenaster (Heterotheca canescens) 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

6"–12" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

CO, KS, MO, NM and 2 more states

Pollinators

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 460 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

Southern RockiesHigh PlainsSouthwestern TablelandsCentral Great PlainsGreat PlainsCross TimbersEdwards PlateauSouthern Texas PlainsTexas Blackland Prairies

Hoary False Goldenaster is a low-growing native perennial that forms neat, compact clumps with silvery-gray foliage. It produces abundant small yellow daisy-like flowers from summer through late fall, providing reliable color during the hottest months. This drought-tolerant plant maintains its attractive form with minimal care.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Hoary False Goldenaster is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The long blooming season makes this plant valuable for butterflies and other pollinators from midsummer through fall. Its extended flowering period provides nectar when many other plants have finished blooming for the season.

Common questions

How much sun does Hoary False Goldenaster need?
Hoary False Goldenaster grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Hoary False Goldenaster bloom?
Hoary False Goldenaster blooms in June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Where is Hoary False Goldenaster native?
Hoary False Goldenaster (Heterotheca canescens) is native to CO, KS, MO, NM and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Hoary False Goldenaster attract?
Hoary False Goldenaster draws butterflies.
Is Hoary False Goldenaster HOA-friendly?
Hoary False Goldenaster is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

See all plant problem guides

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