Golden-knee, Green and Gold, or Goldenstar
Chrysogonum virginianum

Family: Compositae

What it is like

Chrysogonum virginianum is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Native to woodland areas from Pennsylvania to Florida and Louisiana in moist well drained soils in part sun or part shade often growing as a natural groundcover. Indigenous to mesic to dry woodlands and open rocky woodlands. Plants are more likely to be found in forest edges and clearings with bright filtered light rather than in densely shaded interiors.

Native to the eastern United States from New York to Florida and Louisiana.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

C. virginianum spreads slowly via stolons to form a groundcover. Wildlife Habitat: A host wildlife such as reptiles, mammals, and songbirds. Insectary: The flowers provide nectar to pollinators. Ornamental Green and Gold is often planted ornamentally for its light green triangular foliages and golden star-shaped flowers. There are a number of named cultivars selected for ornamental properties.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

Ground Cover: Ground Cover

How it is grown

A low growing herbaceous perennial with starry golden daisy-like flowers native to the USA. Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Prefers moist, acidic, organically rich soils in sun-dappled part shade. Tolerates full sun only if grown in consistently moist soils. Spreads by rhizomes to form an attractive ground cover, but is easily controlled. Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast. Stand Persistence: Long. Form: Spreading. Texture: Medium. Sun: Full Sun, Partial Shade. Soil Type: Sandy, Loamy, Silty, Clay. Soil Moisture: Moderate. Root Type: Stolon, Fibrous Shallow. Bacteria-Fungal Ratio: 10:1-100:1. Seasonal Interest: Spring-Fall. In the US it grows more upright in northern climates and more prostrate in southern climates. Recommended to naturalize in rain gardens. Best in well-drained soils. Blooms sparsely during the heat of summer. Fruit Type: Achene. Flower Color: Yellow. Soil pH preference: 6.0 - 6.8. Drought: Moderate. Flood: Tolerant. Salt: Intolerant. Soil Compaction: Intolerant. Cold Injury: Moderate. Wind Storm Damage: Infrequent. Disease Issues: Minor. Insect/Pest Damage: Minor. Animal Damage: Deer, Rabbits. Growing Season: Bloom Time: Spring - Fall. Fruit Time: Spring - Fall. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a clumper with limited spread. An evergreen. The root pattern is rhizomatous with underground stems sending roots and shoots along their length . Used in the Beach Plum Tree Guild: (Polycultures: Permaculture Activist Magazine February 2013, Eric Toensmeier.) Beach Plum (Prunus maritima) This fruiting shrub can grow to over 12 feet (4 meters) and produces small, delicious plums. Niche: deciduous shrub. Habitat: average water needs, Full to partial sun, Prefered soil types UNKNOWN (assume loamy soil is good?). Notable Products: Edible fruit, Green and Gold (Chrysogonum virginianum) This is a beautiful groundcover that attracts beneficial insects and can grown in partial shade and moist soils. Niche: Ground cover. Habitat: Requires consistently moist soil that drain, Full sun to partial shade, Notable Products: Nectar. Dwarf Coreopsis (Coreopsis auriculata nana) This is another beautiful groundcover that attracts beneficial insects. Niche: Herbaceous perennial. Habitat: Full sun, medium water needs, said to be native to open woods in South Eastern US, so it probably can survive in a variety of soil types. Notable Products: Nectar, pollen. Ramps (Allium tricoccum) a.k.a. Wild Leeks, are early Spring vegetables and grows well in the shade. Niche: Herbaceous perennial. Habitat: Shaded woodlands, average water needs, preferes wet and acid soils. Tolerats juglone. Notable Products: Edible leaves and bulbs. Camas (Camassia quamash) has edible bulbs and has flowers that attract beneficial insects. Niche: Small Herbaceous Plant. Habitat: Full sun to light shade, prefers moist soil, pH: 5.1-7.5 (tolerates a wide range of soil conditions). Notable Products:Nectar, pollen, edible bulb. Notes: This is a polyculture with flowering plum and ground cover, edible Spring vegetables, and edible Camas bulbs.

Propagating it: Easily grown from seed and may self-seed in the garden.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Golden-knee, Goldenknee, Green and gold, Goldenstar

Synonyms

Chrysogonum australe Alexander ex Small, syn of var. australe.Diotostephus repens Cass., syn of var. brevistolon