Sustainable Landscaping with Native Plants
Solidago Caesia – Blue Stem Goldenrod
Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod, also known as Wreath Goldenrod, is a woodland species herbaceous perennial. It has very loose clumps with arching stems and long, thin leaves. There are small clusters of yellow flowers that form in the leaf’s axil and grow to around half the stem’s length. It is also fairly simple to grow and is a beautiful perennial. This cultivar of goldenrod in particular is very well behaved and won’t spread aggressively, like other forms of goldenrod do. (such as Canada goldenrod)
Blue stemmed goldenrods prefer and will do well in dry soils, though some wetness is okay for them. They are somewhat drought resistant once the plant is established. When established, it can grow from 1.5 feet to 3 feet in height, and 1 foot to 1.5 feet in spread. It prefers loamy, clay or rocky soils. This plant can propagate by seed or by division. There are no serious disease or insect problems that come with this plant. This plant is perfect to use in a garden you want to attract butterflies to, as well as a garden on the edge of woodlands where there is some shade. It can also attract songbirds, native bees, and deers that will chew on the foliage.
Though accused countless times of being allergenic, goldenrod pollen does not cause allergic reactions. Ambrosia artemisiifolia, or ragweed is the plant containing allergens in it’s pollen that is often confused with Goldenrod due to their similar bloom times.
Solidago caesia is a great perennial to plant that just doesn’t require much effort at all, looks great, and can help provide sustenance to multiple species. It’s a great perennial to plant if you live in a wooded area and want to spruce up spaces that border woodlands. It takes very little effort to grow and will be worth it from the wildlife you’ll see because of this plant.
Common Name: Blue Stem Goldenrod
Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Native: Eastern and Central U.S.
Zone: 4 to 8
Height: 1.5 to 3 feet
Spread: 1.5 to 3 feet
Bloom: August to September
Bloom: Yellow
Sun: Full shade to part shade
Water: Dry or medium
Maintenance: Low
Lincoln Landscaping “The Natural Choice”
Mike Kolenut President & CEO
https://lincolnlandscapinginc.com
(201) 848-9699
