Golden Star

Chrysogonum virginianum

American Beauties®

Native Golden Star Plant Blooms Spring to Fall with Cheerful Yellow Flowers and Semi-Evergreen Foliage
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 1 ft Tall, 1-2 ft Wide
Perfect for Border in Butterfly Gardens
Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Bees and Butterflies

$33⁶³

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Plant Size

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. While this plant thrives in partial shade, more sun results in a denser carpet of flowers as long as the soil stays moist.
Soil: Plant in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. If your soil is sandy and dries out too fast, mix in peat moss or compost to help hold onto essential moisture.

Watering Requirements

Provide about one inch of water per week during the first year to ensure the root system anchors deeply. Mature plants are moderately drought tolerant, but letting the soil go bone dry will cause the foliage to wilt and the plant to stop flowering early. Consistent moisture is the secret to a lush, green mat.

Pruning Tips

Golden Star produces flowers on new growth each spring. You should deadhead spent blooms or lightly shear the foliage after the first big wave of flowers to encourage a cleaner look and potential reblooming. Think of this like a light trim that keeps the plant from looking leggy or unkempt through the summer.

Fertilizer Needs

Use a general-purpose, granular fertilizer once in the early spring just as you see green shoots emerging. Avoid using high-nitrogen products after mid-summer. This prevents the plant from producing tender new leaves that cannot harden off before the winter cold hits.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Native, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Deer-resistant, Flowering
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Partial shade
Height	1 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Spreading
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Summer, Fall
Flower Color	Yellow
Suitable Space	Outdoors, Container
Botanical Name	Chrysogonum virginianum
Species	virginianum
Class	Asterales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Who says groundcover isn't exciting? Not us! At least, not when Golden Star (Chrysogonum virginianum) is involved! Combining the best of perennials, natives and groundcover, this is one plant you aren't going to want to miss.

You may have heard it called Green and Gold or even Golden Knee in some regions, but rest assured it's the same plant you've come to know and love. For good reason too.

Once planted, and every spring thereafter, you'll be greeted with a flourish of dense green foliage. It does a fantastic job covering the area you decide.

Of course, that's only half the appeal. Bright yellow daisy-like flowers smother this native from May until well into October in most cases. Talk about the ground cover that keeps on giving.

This five-pointed star-shaped flower features slightly notched petals and brown stamens that contrast nicely against the sunny yellow.

Often you'll find you're low growing plant has semi-evergreen foliage in warmer climates. This means you can enjoy its delightful green leaves long past when other perennials would hang up their seasonal hats.

Not only is the long bloom season perfect for lasting garden color, it's also great news for pollinators like butterflies. They love native plants with bright blossoms!

Should a curious deer or two wander by, don't worry. They tend to leave this variety alone. Use it in parts of your garden often munched on.

Golden Star certainly deserves a spot in any pollinator garden or front perennial garden in place of less showy groundcovers. Order yours today!

How to Use Golden Star in the Landscape

Low growing plants are extremely versatile. They'll fit anywhere without covering up the perennial portrait behind.

If you live next to a wooded area, try planting around the edges of your garden as a transition from grass and planned landscape to the wilderness.

You can also plant in or near your rock gardens. Its green and gold coloring will contrast nicely with the earthy tones of natural river rock!

Plus, its deer-resistant nature means you can use it in your gardens as a border to deter their hungry gaze.

Pollinator gardens are another site you can add Golden Star. Its native status and growth habit makes it the perfect plant to use as a first-level planting.

Do you have a patch of ground around your foundation that might be better off hidden from view? No problem, this vigorously growing groundcover has got you, or your foundation, covered!

#ProPlantTips for Care

There are a couple of different ways you can go about creating the happiest and healthiest plant in this case.

It won't mind being planted in full sun, but you'll want to make sure it's consistently moist. Otherwise, the prolonged sun rays might start to bother the plant.

The best conditions to plant in is part sun or part shade and in moist well-drained soils. If your dirt happens to be rich in organic matter, that's even better!

This perennial is native to the eastern United States from Northern areas to Southern states like Florida and Louisiana, so it's no stranger to wetter living quarters.

Pruning a plant that stays so short is more of a cleaning up than a cutting back. Go ahead and remove its old foliage in the early spring.

Low maintenance, high impact. That's the best way to do gardening! Order your own Golden Star today to complete your seasonal gardening projects!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the full care requirements for Golden Star, including soil, water, and light?

Golden Star thrives in part shade to full shade, or full sun if kept consistently moist. This adaptable native tolerates various soil types but prefers well-draining conditions. Water regularly during establishment, then only during dry spells. Plant in spring for best results.

Is Golden Star deer resistant?

Yes, Golden Star is deer resistant and makes an excellent choice for areas where deer browse. Deer typically avoid this native groundcover, allowing you to enjoy its bright yellow flowers from May through October undisturbed. Plant it in vulnerable garden spots as available at naturehills.com.

When does Golden Star bloom, and how long does the bloom period last?

Golden Star blooms from May through October, providing nearly six months of continuous color. The bright yellow, star-shaped flowers appear reliably throughout this extended season. Plant in partial shade with consistent moisture for the longest bloom period.

Is Golden Star evergreen or semi-evergreen in my zone?

Golden Star has semi-evergreen foliage in warmer climates, meaning it retains its green leaves longer than typical perennials. In colder zones, it will die back completely in winter. Check your local winter temperatures to determine if you'll enjoy extended foliage.

What planting zones work best for Golden Star in the Southeastern US?

Golden Star thrives in USDA zones 5-9, making it ideal for most of the Southeast. This native groundcover performs best in partial to full shade in warmer zones. Plant in spring for blooms from May through October. Shop at Nature Hills for reliable, nursery-grown plants.

How is Golden Star shipped—bare root, potted, or otherwise?

Golden Star is typically shipped as a potted plant rather than bare root, allowing for easier establishment in your garden. This native groundcover transplants well from containers and can be planted throughout the growing season. Plant in part shade to full shade for best results, or full sun if you can provide consistent moisture.

Does Golden Star spread aggressively like other ground covers?

Golden Star spreads at a moderate, manageable pace rather than aggressively taking over like some groundcovers. It forms dense coverage in the area you plant it without becoming invasive or difficult to control. This makes it ideal for defined spaces like rock gardens or woodland areas where you want reliable coverage without constant maintenance.

Can Golden Star handle full shade or only partial shade?

Golden Star thrives in part shade to full shade conditions. It can handle full sun only if the soil stays consistently moist. For best results, plant it in partial to full shade where it will be more drought tolerant and require less maintenance.

Golden Star

Chrysogonum virginianum