Golden Crownbeard

(Verbesina encelioides)

Golden Crownbeard (Verbesina encelioides)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Verbesina encelioides, commonly known as Golden Crownbeard, is an annual herb native to open plains, deserts, and scrublands in the South Central and Southwestern USA and Mexico, the Caribbean and South America. This species can reach a height and width of 3-5 feet, with a bushy growth habit. It produces showy yellow flowers with a central disc of darker yellow or brown, blooming in the summer months. The flowers are attractive to pollinators and the plant serves as a larval host for the bordered patch butterfly. Golden Crownbeard is known for its ability to quickly colonize disturbed sites, which can sometimes lead to competitive dominance over other local species. This is partly due to its allelopathic properties, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of radishes and may affect other species as well.

In cultivation, Golden Crownbeard is valued for its drought tolerance and vibrant yellow flowers, making it suitable for xeriscaping, wildflower gardens, and restoration projects. It thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, preferring soils with medium to fast drainage. While it is easy to grow and maintain, gardeners should be aware of its potential to self-seed and spread. Additionally, its potential invasiveness should be considered before planting outside its native range, as it may outcompete local flora.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb, Subshrub
  • Height: 3-4.5 feet
  • Width: 3-5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to open plains, deserts, and scrublands in the South Central and Southwestern USA and Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: American Dogweed , Skunk Daisy , South African Daisy , Crown-Beard , Butter Daisy , Golden Crown-Beard , Wild Sunflower , Verbesina , Girasolillo , Goldener Kronbart , Yema De Huevo

Scientific Names: Verbesina encelioides , Verbesina microptera , Verbesina encelioides var. exauriculata , Verbesina encelioides subsp. exauriculata , Ximenesia encelioides , Verbesina encelioides var. cana , Verbesina australis , Ximenesia microptera , Ximenesia encelioides var. cana , Ximenesia encelioides var. pachyptera

GBIF Accepted Name: Verbesina encelioides (Cav.) Benth. & Hook.fil. ex A.Gray