Solidago

( sol - id - DAY - goh )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Goldenrod, this genus of perennial flowering plants needs full sun to light shade and moderate water. Their flowers will attract birds and butterflies to your yard. They are native to the Eastern regions of the United States, and bloom from the middle of summer through fall. They are so commonly encountered in their native range that the Goldenrod is the official state flower of Kentucky. Flowers form in branched clusters and are yellow; leaves are green. They are easy-care plants and thrive in semi-poor soils. Goldenrod is perfect for informal border plantings or for naturalizing in meadow landscapes. 

Solidago Species and Varietals

The genus Solidago is a member of the plant family Asteraceae and includes between 100 and 120 species. Goldenrod grows best in zones 1-11 and 14-24. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Solidago albopilosa (Whitehair Goldenrod)
This rare species is endemic to Kentucky, and produces one or more erect stems from a woody base. It reaches between 12 to 20 inches (maximum 40 inches) tall and is covered in white hairs. Flowers bloom in clusters in groups of up to 30 and are golden yellow. They bloom from September to November in their native range.

Solidago bicolor (White Goldenrod, Silverrod)
These plants are native to eastern North America, and prefer to grow in sandy or rocky soils. They are typically found growing along roadsides or in other areas with disturbed soils. Flowering stems are thin and wiry, and flowers are white, unlike most species in the genus. The flower heads are found in leaf axils.

Solidago californica (California Goldenrod)
These wildflowers are native to many types of habitats in western North America, and reach 5 feet tall when mature. Leaves are green and lance-shaped, and flowers are narrow, comprised of many golden-yellow flowers. 

Solidago canadensis (Canada Goldenrod, Canadian Goldenrod)
These herbaceous perennial plants often form colonies of upright shrubby plants with green foliage and yellow flowers that bloom towards stem tips. They are native to northeastern and north-central North America, and are considered invasive in Europe and Asia. This species is commonly grown as a garden ornamental in native, pollinator, and cottage or informal gardens.

Solidago curtisii (Curtis' Goldenrod, Mountain Decumbent Goldenrod)
This North American species forms a 40-inch tall perennial herbaceous plant with green foliage. Stems are narrow, wiry, and dark purple. Flowers bloom in small clusters in leaf axils and are yellow.

Solidago virgaurea (European Goldenrod, Woundwort)
These plants are widespread across Europe and North Africa as well as Asia. It is grown as a garden ornamental and has many subspecies and cultivars. In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, they were used to heal wounds due to its astringent and antiseptic properties. 

Solidago gigantea (Tall Goldenrod, Giant Goldenrod)
This species is the state flower of Nebraska, and forms clumps of upright stems with green foliage. Flowers are yellow, and bloom in drooping arrays of many flower heads (up to several hundred). Plants in this species grow in a wide variety of habitats, as long as soil is at least seasonally moist.
Solidago Hybrid Varietals
These cultivars have been bred to do well in garden settings, and are typically a bit smaller and bushy than the species in the genus. These are great choices for garden ornamentals, and will attract pollinators to the landscape.
'Crown of Rays'
Reaches 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide; clusters are flat.
'Golden Baby'
To 2 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide. Plumelike flower clusters.
'Goldenmosa'
Grows to 2.5 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide, with large clusters of flowers. 
'Little Lemon'
10-12 inches tall and 15 inches wide, with a long flowering season. Perfect for containers. 

Solidago ptarmicoides (Prairie Goldenrod, White Flat-Top Goldenrod, Upland White Aster, Upland White Solidago, Upland White Goldenrod, Sneezewort Goldenrod)
These North American perennials are native to central and eastern Canada and parts of the United States. Flowers are white to cream-colored, and are arranged in a flat-topped inflorescence. Stiff leaves are narrow. These plants prefer dry, sandy soils and grassy meadow landscapes.

Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' (Wrinkleleaf Goldenrod, Rough-Stemmed Goldenrod)
This variety reaches 3-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide, with flower spikes that resemble shoots of fireworks. The species is native to North America, and is usually found in wet habitats. Flowers are yellow. 

Solidago sphacelata 'Golden Fleece' (False Goldenrod, Autumn Goldenrod)
Reaches 1.5 feet tall and 2 feet wide, with profuse sprays of yellow flowers. It is great as a groundcover, and can create a solid mat in about a years' time. Set 15 inches apart for best groundcover coverage. 

Caring for solidago

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Solidago
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 606, Solidago
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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