The Genus Verbesina
Crownbeards
Family: Asteraceae
Perennials (a few annuals) growing from 2-5’ tall and wide. Golden, nectar-rich flowers in warm weather. Most reseed readily in the landscape.
Full to filtered sun, moderate to regular water, most hardy to at least 15°F. The higher elevation species are best in filtered sun.
Good for butterflies, bees, and other insectivorous pollinators. Larval host for the Fatal Metalmark (Calephelis nemesis) and the Crocale Bordered Patch (Chlosyne lacinia ssp. crocale) as well as some flower moths (Schinia spp).
This is a cosmopolitan genus of about 340 species. The name Verbesina very likely refers to the similarity of the foliage of some species to that of the (unrelated) Verbena.
The Cowpen Daisy (Verbesina encelioides) looks kinda like a green brittlebush, and often just shows up in the yard, often under mesquites. Photo by Max Licher, SEINET
Longleaf Crownbeard (Verbesina longifolia) makes a great shade (or morning sun) plant. Photo by Patrick Alexander, SEINET
Rothrock's Crownbeard (Verbesina rothrockii) is found on rocky slopes, often on igneous or limestone soils from 4,000-6,000'. Photo by Sue Carnahan, SEINET
Felger's Crownbeard (Verbesina felgeri) has interesting, more herbaceous foliage. This species is native to the Sinaloan Thornscrub region of Sonora, Mexico. It grows about 2-4' tall and is somewhat sensitive to hard frosts. Put in a protected microclimate. Photo by Carianne Funicelli, Strategic Habitat Enhancements