Verbesina helianthoides.
Yellow Crownbeard, also known as Gravelweed, is a perennial wildflower native to the midwestern, south-central, and southeastern United States where it can often be found growing in rocky and dry open woods, open prairies, and alongside railroads and roadways.
Plant grows to about 3 to 4 feet in height and produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom from July through August.
Attracts numerous species of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators including the Silvery Checkerspot and Gold Moth.
Typically blooms in the second year.
Yellow Crownbeard
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8 Light Requirement: Full to partial sun Soil Type: Average, dry, well-drained Sow Depth: 1/4 inch Plant Spacing: 2 to 4 feet Germination Note: Cold stratification required Stratification Time: 60 days Bloom Time: July through August Growing Tips
Direct sow in late fall by planting the seeds just beneath the soil's surface. For spring planting, mix seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days (cold stratification) before sowing.
A Note on Cold Stratification
These seeds require cold, moist stratification. To naturally stratify the seeds, plant outdoors late fall on a weed-free site and allow seeds to overwinter.
To artificially stratify the seeds, place the seeds and a moist medium (such as a damp paper towel, coffee filter, sand, or vermiculite) in a labeled, sealed plastic bag and store in a refrigerator (33-40°F) for the amount of time noted on the growth chart before sowing.