Chrysogonum virginianum aka Golden Knee

Chrysogonum virginianum, commonly known as the golden-knee, green and gold, or goldenstar, is a North American herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. This species is native to the eastern United States, ranging from New York State and Rhode Island down to Louisiana and the Florida Panhandle. Known for its showy flowers, Chrysogonum virginianum is often cultivated as an ornamental perennial. It can be propagated through root cuttings. There are different varieties of Chrysogonum virginianum found in the wild. Chrysogonum virginianum var. australe is found in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Chrysogonum virginianum var. brevistolon is native to Georgia, Alabama, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Kentucky. The variety Chrysogonum virginianum var. virginianum is distributed from New York to South Carolina, and westward to Kentucky and Ohio. This low-growing perennial forms a spreading mat, reaching a height of about 25cm (10 inches). It has oblong, slightly hairy green leaves, which are often heart-shaped. In mild winters, the plant retains its evergreen foliage. The five-petalled yellow flowers bloom from early spring to late summer. Green and Gold, as it is also commonly called, is a rhizomatous plant that spreads easily and forms a controlled foliage mat, growing up to 1-2 inches tall and spreading to 18 inches wide. It is native to woodland areas stretching from Pennsylvania to Florida and Louisiana. While it can be grown from seed, it may also self-seed in the garden.