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Native Plant Society of Texas

Hoary False Goldenaster

Heterotheca canescens

Other common name(s):

Gray Goldenaster

Family:

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Central Great Plains, Chihuahuan Deserts, Cross Timbers, Edwards Plateau, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Southwestern Tablelands, Texas Blackland Prairies
Broken Red Plains, Limestone Plains, Red Prairie
Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas, Stockton Plateau
Carbonate Cross Timbers, Eastern Cross Timbers, Grand Prairie, Limestone Cut Plain, Western Cross Timbers
Balcones Canyonlands, Edwards Plateau Woodland, Llano Uplift
Southern Subhumid Gulf Coastal Prairies
Canadian/Cimarron Breaks, Caprock Canyons Badlands Breaks, Flat Tablelands and Valleys
Floodplains and Low Terraces1, Northern Blackland Prairie, Southern Blackland Prairie

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

0.5
to
1
ft.

Spread

1
to
1.5
ft.

Leaf Retention

Semi Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Clay, Gravelly, Limestone, Calcareous, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Season

Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Nectar

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies

Maintenance

Very drought tolerant. Use as a low growing plant for a border, or as a groundcover. The low mat of silvery foliage contrasts nicely with other plants. Can be used in a container garden. Not usually available commercially, but can be found at some NPSOT plant sales. Propagation: seed, softwood cutting.

Comments

Blooms June-September. Hoary False Goldenaster is a low, mounding, much-branched plant. Stems are erect to sprawling. The tiny leaves and stems are covered with a dense coat of hairs giving the plant it’s gray-green color. The flowers are bright yellow and daisy-like. Fruit is a cypselae: a dry single-seeded fruit, usually topped by pappus.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Chrysopsis berlandieri, Chrysopsis canescens, Chrysopsis villosa var. canescens

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Stratification Clean the seeds by removing any plant debris. If applicable, stratify the seeds by placing them in a moist medium such as peat moss or sand and refrigerate for 4-6 weeks to break dormancy. Prepare a well-draining soil mix, preferably sandy or loamy. Fill seed trays or pots with this mix and ensure it is moist but not waterlogged. Sow the seeds thinly on the soil surface. Lightly press them into the soil without burying them deeply. Cover with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite if needed, and mist lightly with water. Place the trays or pots in a location with indirect light and maintain consistent moisture by lightly misting the surface as needed. Monitor for germination, which typically occurs within 14-21 days. After the seeds have germinated and seedlings are established, gradually acclimate hoary false goldenaster to outdoor conditions by placing them in a sheltered area and gradually exposing them to more sunlight. Once strong enough, transplant seedlings into a well-draining location with full sunlight. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, as hoary false goldenaster prefers slightly drier conditions. Collect seeds from mature hoary false goldenaster flowers. Ensure the seeds are fully ripened and dry before gathering. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Heterotheca_canescens.html#:~:text=Hoary%20false%20goldenaster%2C%20commonly%20found%20in%20sunny%2C,conditions%20is%20crucial%20to%20prevent%20root%20rot.
Seed No Treatment Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost. Seeds germinate best in moist soil under warm temperatures. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Look for a sunny spot with loose, fertile soil to ensure your seedlings thrive. Scatter seeds thinly across the chosen area and lightly cover them with soil. Gently water the area to encourage germination. Germination will occur in approximately 2 weeks. Once seedlings emerge, thin them to about 6-12 inches apart, leaving the strongest plants to grow. This allows for better air circulation and promotes healthy growth. Collect seeds when flower heads turn white and fluffy. 1) https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-heterotheca-canescens/ 2) NPSOT Austin member input
Clump Division Separate established plants into smaller portions. Dig up a mature plant and gently divide it into sections, ensuring each division has healthy roots. Replant immediately and water as needed until roots are established. The best time to divide Heterotheca canescens is in the spring or fall. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-heterotheca-canescens/
Stem Cutting Cut a 4-6 inch stem just below a leaf node and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Take stem cuttings in late spring or early summer. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-heterotheca-canescens/

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason