Verbesina encelioides (Golden Crownbeard) is a fast-growing annual boasting masses of bright yellow flowers, up to 2 in. across (5 cm), atop upright, stiff, branched stems clad with alternate or opposite, toothed, nearly triangular, silvery green leaves. Blooming from spring to fall, each blossom features 8-15 yellow rays, notch-tipped, and a center flower disk packed with 80 to 150 tubular yellow florets. A host to butterflies and moths, this US native likes to grow in disturbed soils where it makes an impressive display over a long season. Golden Crownbeard brings prairie charm along a wall of fence and is perfect for wildflower gardens.

• Grows up to 2-5 ft. tall (60-150 cm). Freely self seeds in optimum conditions.
• Performs best in full sun in dry, well-drained soils. Thrives in poor or rich soils and is drought tolerant.
• Easy to grow, relatively pest and disease free, Golden Crownbeard is a favorite of bees and butterflies, but is ignored by deer.
• A welcomed addition to borders, naturalized areas, cottage gardens, prairies and meadows.
• Propagate by seed. Allow seedheads to dry on the plant. Remove and collect the seeds.
• Native range spans from California to Arizona, New Mexico to Texas, Utah, Colorado, Montana, east to Kansas, and continues south into Mexico.