Solidago speciosa

Product Info

Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa)
Aster Family

This goldenrod has been deemed one of the most attractive and showy out of the over 120 species of native US Goldenrods. Dense, 1' long plumes top red stems starting in late summer and into early fall. Basal leaves are large, broad, and oval shaped, making the foliage of this species stand out more compared to other Solidago sp. Basal leaves also remain green over winter. Flowers, seeds, stems, and leaves attract an incredible diversity of insects and other animals, making Goldenrods one of the most beneficial wildflowers for the landscape. This species is not considered aggressive in the garden like some Goldenrods. It does spread by rhizomes, but maxes out at about 3'. This species is very tolerant of drought and poor soils and is happiest in full to part sun. It pairs well with late blooming Liatris species like Button Blazing Star and Grass-leaved Blazing Star, grasses, Georgia Aster, Aromatic Aster, and Rattlesnake Master. 

Blooms: Yellow, 3-4 weeks, Aug-Oct
Leaves: Deciduous, 4-10” elliptical leaves on a red stem, clump forming, evergreen basal rosette
Height: 3-4’
Space: 2-3'
Soil: Dry-Average-Moist, most soil types
Exposure:  Full sun-Part sun
Fauna: High value plant–many specialized bees feed on goldenrod species, flies, wasps, seeds for birds and mammals, butterfly host plant
Seeds:  Dense clouds of achenes are very attractive
Deer Resistance: High
Zone: 3-8
Native Status: NC native, uncommon in the Piedmont & Mountains, rare in the Coastal Plain
Provenance: WV, seed grown