Perhaps nothing is as rugged as hairy golden aster (lovingly called 'HGA' in restoration circles). This low growing yellow false aster thrives in rocky droughty sites. HGA begins blooming in July, and continues as long as it can (often well into October with soil moisture). Flowers are followed by puffy cylindrical tan seed heads. Plant these in your 'hell strip' (between the road and sidewalk) with prairie junegrass, fringed sage, and blanket flower.