Short-pappus Goldenrod Solidago sphacelata
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Brachychaeta sphacelata
- Phonetic Spelling
- so-li-DAY-go spass-el-LAH-tuh
- Description
-
Autumn goldenrod is a native herbaceous perennial in the daisy family (Asteraceae) that is commonly found in dry rocky open forests and rocky places. It is frequently found in locations where the soil contains calcium carbonate, which makes the soil chalky.
This plant grows 1-3 feet tall and prefers full sun to partial shade. It tolerates average to poor and rocky well-drained soil. Autumn goldenrod spreads by rhizomes and wind-blown seeds. Deadheading after flowering will help control the spread of its seeds. To encourage more blooms, remove the spent clusters of flowers. It is quite drought tolerant and deer-resistant.
The many bright yellow flowers bloom on one side of the branch and appear in the fall. The basal leaves are large with stem leaves being smaller. The seeds that follow are carried by the wind. Blooming the same time of year as ragweed, goldenrod is erroneously thought to cause allergies.
This plant can be difficult to find but the cultivar 'Golden Fleece' is readily available. Use in the native/pollinator garden, in the border, in naturalized sites, on slopes or in rock gardens. Pollinators will visit the flowers.
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:
-
- 'Golden Fleece'
Compact variety to 1.5 ft tall
- 'Golden Fleece'
- 'Golden Fleece'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Golden Fleece'
Compact variety to 1.5 ft tall
- 'Golden Fleece'
- 'Golden Fleece'
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Solidago
- Species:
- sphacelata
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Eastern U.S.A.
- Distribution:
- AL , GA , IL , IN , KY , MS , NC , OH , TN , VA , WV
- 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. - 6 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
-
-
Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- 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:
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Shallow Rocky
- 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:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
-
-
Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Achene
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- The achene has short bristle-like pappus to help with wind dispersal. Displays from September to November.
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-
Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Head
- 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. The flower heads are arranged in panicles with 3-6 yellow ray flowers and 3-6 yellow disc flowers per head.
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-
Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Rosulate
- Leaf Shape:
- Cordate
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Cordate basal rosette of leaves on a long and winged petiole. Stem leaves are smaller and ovate to lanceolate
-
-
Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Multi-branched stems.
-
-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Meadow
- Naturalized Area
- Slope/Bank
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Cottage Garden
- Cutting Garden
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Rock Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Small Mammals
- Songbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Erosion
- Problems:
- Weedy