Bigelowia nuttallii

Here's a North American native perennial you won't find in most wildflower guides. Bigelowia nuttallii, aka rayless goldenrod, can be found in very scattered areas from central Georgia west to East Texas, where it forms tiny tufts of fine green foliage like a miniature amsonia. The bright, tiny, yellow flowers, which start in September (NC) and continue through fall, are held in tight clusters on 8" tall stalks, just above the foliage...fabulous for summer foraging bees. In the wild, rayless goldenrod can be found in wet acidic savannahs and seeps, but also on exposed, dry sandy sites growing on top of rock. Being an introverted loner, don't crowd out your bigelowia with aggressive neighbors.