Yellow crownbeard is an herbaceous perennial in the aster family (Asteraceae) that is native to the central and eastern USA. In its native environment, it is found in fertile soils near disturbed wetlands, roadside ditches, and pastures. It adapts to various habitats but flourishes in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil that is consistently moist. Once it is established, the yellow crownbeard is drought-tolerant. It forms 3-8 feet tall clumps, and self-seeds. The yellow crownbeard only needs a slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote profuse blooms. The showy yellow flowers in clusters appear in late summer to early fall. This easy-to-grow plant is showy and attracts a variety of pollinators including native bees. Use this plant in the back of the border or in a naturalized area. The vigorous root system and self-seeding properties are useful for erosion control on sloping landscapes. Even though it self-seeds easily, it is not considered invasive. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems : No significant problems. However, in poorly drained conditions, it is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, powdery mildew and root rot. The leaves are bitter-tasting and usually discourage deer and rabbits.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
12 inches-3 feet; 3 feet-6 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in. | Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping; Erect
Texture
Medium
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Opposite
Leaf shape
Lanceolate; Ovate
Leaf margin
Serrate
Leaf feel
Smooth
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
The ovate leaves are 3 to 8 inches long and 1 to 3 inches wide with serrated margins. They are very narrow at the stalk and have a bitter taste.
Flower color
Gold/Yellow
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Corymb
Flower shape
Radial
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
The end of the stem contains a cluster of yellow flowers. In the center of each flower are 10 to 20 small yellow disc flowers. They are surrounded by 2 to 5 yellow ray flowers. The odd number of ray flowers gives an unkempt and disheveled appearance. It flowers as masses from late summer to early fall
Bloom time
Fall; Summer
Fruit color
Black
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
The fruit containing the seed are usually dispersed by the wind.
Stem detail
There are distinctive wings along the length of the stem which are present even in the winter. The stems may have hairs.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
Central and Eastern USA
Distribution
AL , DC , DE , FL , GA , IL , KY , MD , MO , MS , NC , OH , OK , PA , SC , TN , TX , VA , WV
Wildlife value
Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. It also Attracts soldier beetles which is a natural predator for pests such as aphids and mites.