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Plants that fill a similar niche:
Pycnanthemum tenuifolium Pycnanthemum tenuifolium
Rudbeckia triloba Rudbeckia triloba
Viola pedata Viola pedata
Solidago sphacelata 'Golden Fleece' has some common insect problems:
Aphids Found on Flowers and Foliage

Heart-leaved Goldenrod Solidago sphacelata 'Golden Fleece'

Phonetic Spelling
so-li-DAY-go spass-el-LAH-tuh
Description

Heart-leaved Goldenrod is a native perennial in the daisy family that is commonly found in dry rocky forests.  It is frequently found in locations where the soil contains calcium carbonate, which makes the soil chalky.  It can become mildly invasive, spreading by rhizomes and wind blown seeds.  Deadheading prior to flowering will help control the spread of its seeds.  To encourage more blooms, remove the spent clusters of flowers.  

The flowers bloom on only one side of the branch.  

Blooming the same time of year as ragweed, goldenrod is erroneously thought to cause allergies.    

'Golden Fleece' is a more compact variety in the Goldenrod family, growing to only 1-1.5' tall and wide.  Its low form makes for an excellent groundcover, and for growing on slopes.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Powdery mildew, leaf spot and leaf rust may be issues affecting this plant.  Aphids, beetles are minor problems.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#drought tolerant#low growing#native perennials#erosion control#herbaceous#NC native#deer resistant#herbaceous perennials#groundcover#rhizomatous#self-seeding#cutting garden#pollinator plant#dried arrangements#larval host plant#food source fall#food source herbage#food source nectar#food source pollen#rocky soils tolerant#clay soils tolerant#bird friendly#dry soils tolerant#food source hard mast fruit#butterfly friendly#Audubon#shallow soil tolerant#colonizing#wavy-lined emerald butterfly#perennial#butterfly caterpillar host#weed#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#drought tolerant#low growing#native perennials#erosion control#herbaceous#NC native#deer resistant#herbaceous perennials#groundcover#rhizomatous#self-seeding#cutting garden#pollinator plant#dried arrangements#larval host plant#food source fall#food source herbage#food source nectar#food source pollen#rocky soils tolerant#clay soils tolerant#bird friendly#dry soils tolerant#food source hard mast fruit#butterfly friendly#Audubon#shallow soil tolerant#colonizing#wavy-lined emerald butterfly#perennial#butterfly caterpillar host#weed#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Solidago
    Species:
    sphacelata
    Family:
    Asteraceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    U.S.A.
    Wildlife Value:
    This plant supports Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata) larvae. Attracts butterflies and birds.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Attracts Pollinators
    Buffer
    Colorful
    Screening
    Wildlife Food Source
    Wildlife Larval Host
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Perennial
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Erect
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Fine
  • 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:
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    3 feet-6 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Displays from September to November
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Star
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Blooms from July to October with many small flowers clustered along the stems.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Cordate
    Leaf Margin:
    Dentate
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Heart shaped basal leaves have long petioles.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Multi-branched stems.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Slope/Bank
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Barrier
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Small Mammals
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Dry Soil
    Erosion
    Problems:
    Weedy