Green and Gold (Chrysogonum virginianum) is sometimes referred to as Goldenstar. It is a native groundcover that grows to four inches tall and does well in dappled shade or morning sun and afternoon shade. It is related to asters and sunflowers. The plant grows like a strawberry with a rosette of leaves and creeping stolons that root at each node and give rise to new rosettes of leaves and flowers.
The flower stems keep elongating to always hold the flower above the new leaves.
Paul Thompson, ©2022, Clemson Extension
During the winter months, some of the outer leaves shrivel and brown, but the newest leaves stay green through the winter. By late February, you will see the flower buds appearing in the center of the rosettes, and by March, some are beginning to open into bright yellow flowers flat against the leaves. I have never seen another plant where the flower opens, and as spring growth begins in April, the flower stems keep elongating to always hold the flower above the new leaves.
By late February, you will see the flower buds appearing in the center of the rosettes.
Paul Thompson, ©2022, Clemson Extension
By March, some are beginning to open into bright yellow flowers flat against the leaves.
Paul Thompson, ©2022, Clemson Extension
Green and gold has peak flowering in late April and May and continues flowering sporadically into October. I will not say it is deer-proof, but they have never disturbed what I have planted but have eaten other plants in the landscape. This is a great native, and the early flowers are a welcome sight as winter transitions into spring. It is commercially available.
For more information, see HGIC 1186, Green & Gold.
