Hairy golden aster belongs to the Sunflower family, Asteraceae.

• Perennial forb with an erect stem connected to a stout taproot.
• Can grow an average height and breadth of five to 24inches.
• Leaves are alternate, simple and noticeable longer than wide with grayish-green pubescence (short, soft hairs).
• Inflorescence (flowering part of plant) consists of golden disk and ray flowers which have spreading pubescence (short soft hairs), thus the name Hairy golden aster.
• Fruit is an achene (small, dry, indehiscent fruit with a single locule and single seed, with seed attached to ovary wall) with a tuft of bristles.
• Typically drought resistant and can be found in areas with dry, sandy, rocky soils on plains and prairies.
• Many variables of Hairy golden aster, so there may be many common names.
• Low in palatability to live stock and wildlife, but common for sheep in the Western desert.
• Some small birds and animals feed on the seed.

The Cheyenne Indians used the tops and stems to make a tea for a soothing aid for sleeping. It was also burned as an incense to smoke away evil spirits from one place to another.

Photo Credit: Aaron Rinker, USFWS

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Last Updated: 1/14/09

Blooming Times On The Refuge

April-June: Sand lily

May-June: Ball cactus, Prickly pear

May-July: Scarlet butterfly weed, Prairie evening primrose, Blanket flower, Low daisy

May-August: Blue flax, Wine cup

June-August: Rocky Mountain beeplant, Wavy leaved thistle, Blazing star

June-September: Prairie coneflower, Hairy golden aster, Evening star, Sunflower, Scarlet globemallow

July-September: Black eyed susan, Purple prairie aster

NORTHERN PRAIRIE WILDLIFE RESEARCH CENTER