Gray goldaster
Heterotheca canescens (DC.) Shinners
Description
A common plant throughout most of Texas, gray goldaster is an aggressive perennial of the Sunflower family. It is a bushy, much-branched plant, generally reaching 4 to 18 inches tall.
The leaves are numerous and crowded along the plant stems. Because of the extremely dense hairs on its leaves, gray goldaster is difficult to control with herbicides.
The yellow flower heads occur at the terminals (ends) of each branch and are 3/8 to 5/8 inch in diameter, blooming from July through September.
The forage value of gray goldaster is poor for livestock and fair for wildlife.
Habitat
Gray goldaster is found in sandy and gravelly prairies and rock outcrops. It is a common roadside wildflower that grows in colonies.
Images
Plant Characteristics
Flower Color: Yellow
Seed Type: Non-Encapsulated
Duration: Perennial
Stem Texture: Hairy
Growth Habit: Forbs/Broadleaf
Leaf Shape
: Simple with Pinnate or Parallel Venation
Season: Warm
Distribution
: 02 - Gulf Prairies and Marshes, 04 - Blackland Prairies, 05 - Cross Timbers and Prairies, 06 - South Texas Plains, 07 - Edwards Plateau, 08 - Rolling Plains, 09 - High Plains, 10 - Trans-Pecos
Distributions
Distribution refers to the ecological region in Texas that a plant has been found. You can also view a clickable map.
Book: Brush and Weeds of Texas Rangelands (B-6208)
Collection: Brush and Weeds, Wild Flowers
