Coastal Goldfields: A Cheerful Native Wildflower for Your Garden
If you’re looking to add a splash of golden sunshine to your native garden, coastal goldfields (Lasthenia minor) might just be the perfect little wildflower for you. This charming annual brings bright yellow blooms to coastal and wetland gardens, creating carpets of color that’ll make you smile every spring.
What Are Coastal Goldfields?
Coastal goldfields are small, annual wildflowers native to the lower 48 states. As a forb—basically a non-woody flowering plant—this little beauty grows close to the ground and produces masses of cheerful yellow, daisy-like flowers. Don’t let the name fool you though; you might also see it listed under its old scientific names like Baeria minor or Baeria uliginosa in older gardening references.
Where Do They Grow Naturally?
You’ll find coastal goldfields growing wild in California, Massachusetts, and Washington. These scattered populations hint at this plant’s interesting story—it’s primarily a California coastal native that has somehow found its way to a few spots on the East Coast and Pacific Northwest.
Why Consider Growing Coastal Goldfields?
There are several compelling reasons to welcome this native wildflower into your garden:
- Supports native pollinators with nectar-rich flowers that attract bees and butterflies
- Thrives in challenging conditions where other plants might struggle
- Creates beautiful naturalized displays with minimal maintenance
- Perfect for authentic native plant gardens and coastal landscapes
- Self-seeds readily, providing ongoing displays year after year
A Word of Caution About Rarity
Before you rush out to find seeds, there’s something important to know: coastal goldfields has a conservation status that suggests it may be uncommon in parts of its range. If you decide to grow this lovely wildflower, please make sure you source seeds or plants responsibly from reputable native plant nurseries rather than collecting from wild populations.
What Do They Look Like in the Garden?
Coastal goldfields create low-growing mats of small, bright yellow flowers that bloom in spring. Think of them as nature’s confetti—they might be small individually, but together they create stunning golden carpets that light up the landscape. After blooming, the plants complete their annual cycle and die back, but not before setting seed for next year’s show.
Growing Conditions and Care
The beauty of coastal goldfields lies in their adaptability to various moisture conditions. Depending on your region, they can handle everything from wetland edges to drier upland areas:
- Sunlight: Full sun for best flowering
- Soil: Well-draining soils, tolerates poor conditions
- Water: Adaptable—can handle both wetland and drier conditions
- Climate: Best suited for USDA zones 8-10, particularly coastal areas
Planting and Care Tips
Growing coastal goldfields is refreshingly straightforward:
- Direct sow seeds in fall for spring germination
- Seeds need winter chill to germinate properly
- Once established, they require minimal care
- Allow plants to complete their cycle and self-seed
- Perfect for set it and forget it gardening approaches
Perfect Garden Companions
Coastal goldfields work beautifully in native wildflower meadows, coastal gardens, and naturalized areas. They’re particularly stunning when planted alongside other native annuals and perennials that bloom at different times, ensuring continuous color and habitat throughout the growing season.
The Bottom Line
Coastal goldfields offer an authentic way to support native ecosystems while adding cheerful color to your landscape. Their adaptability to different moisture conditions and low-maintenance nature make them ideal for gardeners who want maximum impact with minimal fuss. Just remember to source them responsibly and enjoy watching the parade of pollinators they’ll bring to your garden!
