Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa)

Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa)

Regular price $3.70
Unit price  per 

1/2-pint plug

Light: Sun-partial
Soil: Dry-medium
Height: 5'
Bloom: August-September-October

Description: Showy Goldenrod tends to bloom a little later than most Goldenrods. It is indeed one of the showiest of the genus with a feathery plume comprised of a dense clump of pale yellow to deep yellow flowers atop an attractive red stem. This plant does best with lots of competition from other prairie species. In the absence of competition, it will aggressively spread. Unfortunately, goldenrods often get blamed for causing the dreaded hayfever. This is simply not true. Their pollen is quite large and sticky so as to better adhere to the body of visiting insects. Because of this, goldenrod pollen cannot become airborne and can never make its way into your sinuses. The true cause of hayfever is the wind pollinated ragweeds, which broadcast copious amounts of lightweight pollen into the air. Including goldenrods on your property will provide ecosystem services well into the fall when most other plant life is shutting down.

Attracts: The flowers attract honeybees, bumblebees, ants, beetles, and the occasional moth or butterfly. Among the beetles, are such visitors as Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle) and Epicauta pensylvanica (Black Blister Beetle). These insects seek nectar primarily. The caterpillars of many moths feed on various parts of this goldenrod. Other insect feeders include various leafhoppers, lace bugs, plant bugs, and beetles. To a limited extent, the seeds are eaten by the American Goldfinch.