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Solidago altissima is often confused with:
Solidago canadensis Form
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Solidago Solidago
Solidago nemoralis Solidago nemoralis
Solidago sempervirens Form

Goldenrod Solidago altissima

Phonetic Spelling
so-li-DAY-go al-TISS-ih-muh
Description

Solidago altissima, or Canadian Goldenrod, is a herbaceous perennial wildflower and one of the many species of the genus Solidago and is the state wildflower of South Carolina. It has a central stem, or sometimes stem clusters, 2 to 6 feet tall supporting masses of small, dark yellow, plume-like flowers. One plant can produce as many as 1500 small yellow flower heads in a large conical array. Because most of the other goldenrod species have small, yellow, blossoms, they are often confused with each other.

Canadian Goldenrod produces alleleopathic compounds that suppress the growth of other plants and, thus, it can become weedy. Although goldenrod is often blamed for hay fever because it is in bloom during that season, ragweed is the actual culprit.  

Canadian Goldenrod does well in dry soil and sites that have been disturbed by humans. It prefers full to partial sun, and average moisture levels. This plant will tolerate some drought, in which case it will probably drop some of its lower leaves. It also tolerates a variety of soils, seeming to prefer a heavier soil with some clay content. It is extremely rhizomatous and not recommended for smaller planting areas. The root system is fibrous, producing creeping rhizomes that cause the plants to cluster, sometimes forming dense colonies.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Problems: During the fall, powdery mildew occasionally attacks the leaves. This plant is deer resistant.

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Tags:
#drought tolerant#fall flowers#yellow flowers#native perennials#nectar plant#specialized bees#ncemgva2018#fire medium flammability#NC native#summer flowers#deer resistant#pollinator plant#native wildflower#larval host plant#NC Native Pollinator Plant#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#wavy-lined emerald butterfly#perennial#weed#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#drought tolerant#fall flowers#yellow flowers#native perennials#nectar plant#specialized bees#ncemgva2018#fire medium flammability#NC native#summer flowers#deer resistant#pollinator plant#native wildflower#larval host plant#NC Native Pollinator Plant#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#wavy-lined emerald butterfly#perennial#weed#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Solidago
    Species:
    altissima
    Family:
    Asteraceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    North America, Canada, Mexico
    Fire Risk Rating:
    medium flammability
    Wildlife Value:
    This plant supports Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata) larvae. Bees, butterflies, and beetles, especially flower (soldier) beetles (Chauliognathus) are strongly attracted to the nectar-rich flowers.  Members of the genus Solidago support the following specialized bees: Andrena (Callandrena s.l.) asteris, Andrena (Callandrena s.l.) braccata, Andrena (Cnemidandrena) hirticincta, Andrena (Cnemidandrena) nubecula, Andrena (Callandrena s.l.) simplex, Perdita (Perdita) octomaculata, Melissodes (Eumelissodes) fumosus, Colletes simulans, and Colletes solidaginis.
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    deer resistant
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Native Plant
    Perennial
    Wildflower
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Dry
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Good Cut
    Good Dried
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Blooms from August through November. Small, dark yellow flowers form a plume-like feathery inflorescence. Several flowering stems emerge from the top of the plant bearing masses of tiny yellow flowers in compact heads. The flowerhead occur along the upper part of each flowering stem. Individual plants typically remain in bloom about 3 weeks.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Dentate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves are about 4-6" long and 1" wide, becoming slightly smaller towards the apex of the plant. Usually have small teeth along the margins, otherwise the margins are smooth. Underside of leaves is usually pubescent.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Form:
    Straight
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    The stems have lines of white hairs, stand erect and reach 2 to 6 feet. Stems occur either singly or in clusters and are covered in narrow green hairy leaves that are between 2.5 and 3.5 inches long.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Barrier
    Border
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Specialized Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Problems:
    Weedy