Silver-rod Solidago bicolor
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Solidago erecta
- Phonetic Spelling
- so-li-DAY-go BY-kul-ur
- Description
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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.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Wildflower
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
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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
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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.
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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.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Hairy (pubescent)
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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
