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Early Goldenrod Solidago juncea

Other Common Name(s):

Other plants called Early Goldenrod:

Phonetic Spelling
so-li-DAY-go JUN-see-uh
Description

Solidago juncea, or Early Goldenrod, is a herbaceous perennial wildflower in the Asteraceae family. It is easy to grow and low maintenance once established. It does well in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun and tolerates poor, dry soils including soil with high clay content. It is a forgiving plant and is often found along roadsides and rocky banks, or in open woods. Goldenrod is sometimes blamed for the pollen that causes hay fever, however, that pollen and its irritating symptoms are actually caused by ragweed (Ambrosia species), whose pollen is airborne when goldenrod is in flower. 

As the common name suggests, this is one of the earliest blooming goldenrods, beginning to bloom in July and continuing through August. It is an attractive, slender plant with a delicate appearance. To extend the bloom period, remove spent flower clusters. Early Goldenrod displays a large number of small, bright yellow flowers borne in dense, plume-like panicles on the ends of stiff, narrow-leaved stems that typically grow to 2 to 4 feet tall. The plant is hardy and can take over a small space. To manage growth, you should divide plant clumps every 2 years. Because the genus Solidago contains over 120 species with similar traits and flowers, this particular plant may be confused with one of its many cousins.  Early Goldenrod is moderately deer resistant.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious insect or disease problems.  Leaf rust is an occasional problem.

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Tags:
#drought tolerant#yellow flowers#native perennials#honey bees#nectar plant#low maintenance#specialized bees#fire medium flammability#NC native#summer flowers#deer resistant#pollinator plant#larval host plant#NC Native Pollinator Plant#clay soils tolerant#bird friendly#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#wavy-lined emerald butterfly#perennial#wildflower#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#drought tolerant#yellow flowers#native perennials#honey bees#nectar plant#low maintenance#specialized bees#fire medium flammability#NC native#summer flowers#deer resistant#pollinator plant#larval host plant#NC Native Pollinator Plant#clay soils tolerant#bird friendly#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#wavy-lined emerald butterfly#perennial#wildflower#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Solidago
    Species:
    juncea
    Family:
    Asteraceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Eastern North America
    Fire Risk Rating:
    medium flammability
    Wildlife Value:
    This plant supports Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata) larvae. Early Goldenrod flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Songbirds eat the seeds. 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. Songbirds are attracted to the seeds.
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    deer and drought resistant
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 6 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Native Plant
    Perennial
    Wildflower
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Erect
    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)
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Dry
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Good Cut
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Petals:
    7 - 20 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Blooms from July to October. Branched panicles of small bright yellow flowers on the ends of stiff stems that often arch upward and outward like a fireworks display. There are numerous yellow composite flowers, each about ¼" across. From 4 to 12 ray florets can be observed around the disk florets, often unevenly spaced and not open at the same time.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Oblanceolate
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Smooth leaves. Lower leaves are large, narrow, toothed, up to 8 inches long and 1½ inches across, becoming much smaller as they ascend up the stem. Sometimes there are tiny hairs along the margins, otherwise the leaves are hairless. The leaves are sessile or taper gradually to a petiole-like base. Above their axils along the central stem are small wing-like leaflets. tapering into a long, margined stalk.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Smooth (glabrous)
    Stem Description:
    The central stem is slightly ridged, hairless, and green or reddish.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Meadow
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Songbirds
    Specialized Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Poor Soil