Scientific Name
Solidago altissima L.
Common Name(s)
Tall Goldenrod, Late Goldenrod, Canadian Goldenrod, Canada Goldenrod
Synonym(s)
Solidago altissima var. altissima, Solidago altissima subsp. altissima, Solidago hirsutissima, Solidago lunellii, Solidago scabra
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Tribe: Astereae
Genus: Solidago
Flower
Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Description
Solidago altissima is a perennial wildflower with fine hairs on the stem and leaves located along the stem. It grows up to 6.7 feet (2 m) tall. One plant can produce up to 1500 small yellow flower heads in a large conical array. Unfortunately, this plant is self-incompatible, meaning that the pollen from one plant cannot pollinate the female flower parts of the same plant.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 3a to 8b: from −40 °F (−40 °C) to 20 °F (−6.7 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Growing and planting Goldenrod is easy, as this plant will survive just about anywhere, though it does prefer to be grown in full sun. Goldenrod also tolerates various soil types as long as it's well-draining.
Goldenrod care is minimal once established in the landscape, with plants returning each year. They require little, if any watering, and are drought tolerant. Clumps need division every four to five years. Cuttings may also be taken in spring and planted in the garden.
Learning how to grow Goldenrod offers many advantages. Bad bugs can be drawn to the plant and consumed by beneficial insects that hatch their young there. Planting Goldenrod adds beauty and attracts butterflies to your landscape.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Goldenrods.
Origin
This species is a North American species of Goldenrod widespread across much of Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico.
Links
- Back to genus Solidago
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.