Solidago odora / Anise-Scented Goldenrod (Aster Family)

This sweet smelling goldenrod is known for its fragrant leaves that smell like anise and can be used to make tea. It’s shorter statue and clump forming nature make it a good goldenrod choice for smaller gardens. It’s not picky about soil and can be placed in full sun or on woodland’s edge. Goldenrods are an important late season nectar and pollen source for many insects. You will see lots of interesting bees, wasps, flies, and butterflies on this late summer bloomer. Looks great with Little Bluestem, Butterfly Milkweed, and Dwarf Blazingstar.

Blooms: Yellow, 4-6 weeks, Aug-Sept
Leaves: Fragrant, 6” long, narrow leaves are a dark green
Height: 1-3’
Space: 18-24"
Soil: Average-dry, tolerates sand and clay
Exposure:  Full sun-Part shade
Fauna: High pollinator value–supports many specialized bees, moth host plant, seeds for birds
Seeds:  Classic tan/white fluffy achenes
Deer Resistance: High
Zone: 4-9
Native Status: NC native, common in the Piedmont and Sandhills, uncommon in the Mountains
Provenance: Unknown, seed grown