Alpine golden aster, Heterotheca pumila,, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. This charming, low-growing species is native to the western United States, thriving in rocky and sandy soils often found in prairies and open woodlands. It forms a dense mat of basal rosettes with upright, branched stems reaching 6-12 inches in height. Great rock garden, dryland/xeriscape, species.