Description

The goldenaster is found primarily in coastal and interior coastal mountains from Mendocino County south into San Diego County. The boulanderi subspecies is prevalent in the SF Bay Area. The ‘San Bruno Mountain’ selection was made from the small spur of the Santa Cruz Mountains of the same name in San Mateo County that is home to so many unique plants. It grows in a low mound of olive green leaves covered with fine hairs that allow it to capture marine moisture. The mound will spread slowly in time but does not become leggy. A dramatic bloom of bright yellow flowers will appear in spring, followed by occasional flowers for the rest of the growing season. The following seed heads are persistent and will need to be removed to improve the appearance of the goldenaster. Alternately, the flowers may be removed as they fade (“deadheading”) to encourage additional flowers. In West San Jose, this selection has done well in full sun with no supplemental water in well-draining soil.