What Is This Flowering Plant Found In Massachusetts?

Nipponanthemum nipponicum

Ask the Expert: WHAT IS THIS FLOWERING PLANT?
HI,I LIVE IN MASSCHUSETTS AND RECENTLY THIS PAST SUMMER I FOUND THIS PLANT GROWING IN MY BACKYARD BUT I DID NOT PLANT IT. IT HAS A BARE BROWNISH 10 12′ STALK WITH THE THICK RUBBER LIKE LEAVES ALL GROWING UP TOP IN A THICK CLUSTER.IT STARTED TO BUD IN EARLY SEPTEMBER BUT HAS YET TO FLOWER.PLEASE HELP IN IDENTIFYING THIS FOR ME.

THANK YOU,
MICHAEL IN MASSACUSETTS

Plant Expert Reply:

I needed a little help identifying this plant.  I knew I had seen it before but just couldn’t put my finger on the name for it.  So I contact the fabulous people at Tower Hill Botanical Garden in Boylston Massachusetts for some help. (They have an awesome botanical garden with some fantastic educational programs)

Here is their reply

Hi Jamie,
You may have your answer by now, but the plants looks like a Nippon or Montauk daisy to me.  You could look it up on Google Images to see if that is what yours looks like. It is evidently a native of Japan and first found here on the shore near Montauk, NY.
Best,
Sukey Haney

After looking at several pictures of Nipponanthemum nipponicum (Nippon/Montauk daisies), I believe that is what your plant is.  In the past this plant was classified as Chrysanthemum nipponicum.

Nippoanathemum are hardy in zones 5 to 9 and make an excellent cut flower. This shrubby perennial attracts butterflies and loves full sun.  Trim it back in the spring to maintain the shape. 

Please send me a picture when it blooms.  From the look of the healthy plant, it should be gorgeous when it blooms.

Just a little side note: If you are in the Boylston Massachusetts area this weekend,  the Tower Hill Botanic Garden is hosting 2 flowers shows and from Sept 26th until November they have an amazing scultpure show.