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Solidago bicolor

Previously known as:

  • Solidago erecta
Phonetic Spelling
so-li-DAY-go BY-kul-ur
Description

SWhite goldenrod is a herbaceous perennial wildflower in the aster (Asteraceae) family. It flowers from late summer into the fall and displays an elongated spike of short-stalked flower heads with white to yellowish-white rays surrounding a yellow central disk atop a hairy, grayish stem. This is the only species of Solidago with white rays found on the east coast.

White Goldenrod grows well in dry, often poor, soil, in full sun to partial shade, and seems to prefer soil with a heavy clay content. It tolerates drought. Goldenrod species are sometimes blamed for hay fever, but the irritating pollen is actually a product of ragweed (Ambrosia species), whose pollen is airborn when goldenrod is in flower. This plant is deer resistant.

Because this genus includes up to 120 species, most of which display small yellow flowers, this plant can be confused with others of its genus Solidago spp.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No known insect or diseases.

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Tags:
#drought tolerant#white flowers#native perennial#nectar plant#fall interest#specialized bees#fire medium flammability#NC native#summer flowers#deer resistant#pollinator plant#native wildflower#poor soils tolerant#larval host plant#NC Native Pollinator Plant#clay soils tolerant#bird friendly#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#wavy-lined emerald butterfly#perennial#wildflower#wildlife friendly#woodland#hs303
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#drought tolerant#white flowers#native perennial#nectar plant#fall interest#specialized bees#fire medium flammability#NC native#summer flowers#deer resistant#pollinator plant#native wildflower#poor soils tolerant#larval host plant#NC Native Pollinator Plant#clay soils tolerant#bird friendly#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#wavy-lined emerald butterfly#perennial#wildflower#wildlife friendly#woodland#hs303
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Solidago
    Species:
    bicolor
    Family:
    Asteraceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Eastern Canada and United States
    Fire Risk Rating:
    medium flammability
    Wildlife Value:
    This plant supports Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata) larvae. The White Goldenrod flowers produce nectar that attracts butterflies, native bees, honey bees and other pollinators. Songbirds eat the seeds.  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.
    Edibility:
    The leaves and berries contain the poisonous alkaloid solanine; although the toxic quality of the berries seems to disappear with ripening, it is best not to eat them.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Native Plant
    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
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Shallow Rocky
    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:
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spike
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Saucer
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Blooms July through October. Elongated spikes of white to yellowish white ray flowers surrounding a yellow disk flower on very short branches.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Leaf Margin:
    Dentate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Elliptical upper leaves; lower leaves are 2 to 4 inches long, stalked, shallowly toothed and have a grayish down.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Songbirds
    Specialized Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Dry Soil