Maryland Goldenaster (Chryopsis mariana) is a Florida native perennial. It is hardy from USDA hardiness zones 4a to 10, with zones 8-10 in Florida. While you may have observed this goldenaster in the UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County Demonstration Garden in dappled shade under pines, it prefers wet to moist soils in part shade to full sun locations. It grows in rosettes of leaves before blooming. The goldenaster in the demonstration garden took a few years before blooming..
This perennial in the Asteracaea (Daisy family) blooms in clumps, holding masses of golden yellow aster flowers about a foot above foliage from late summer to fall. While this may eventually spread, planting in masses would provide a dramatic show, and plants can reach one to two feet tall.
It can be propagated by seed which can be obtained through the Florida Wildflower Growers Cooperative or can purchase plants through your local native nurseries.
For or more infomation on Maryland Goldenaster, you may visit the Florida Wildflower Foundation at https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CHMA14 or the Florida Native Plant Society at https://www.fnps.org/plant/chrysopsis-mariana.
Visit the UF/IFAS Extension Demonstration Garden to see this and other plants. The garden is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm (Except for national holidays) at 7620 SR 471, Bushnell, FL. When on the Sumter County Fairgrounds property, drive around the back to park and enter the garden.