Bloom Color

Interesting Notes

This one should be called 'Finale', a more accurate description of the multitude of fluffy golden sprays on nearly horizontal flowering spikes that seem to burst from this lush green bushy perennial like sizzling skyrockets. Excellent interspersed with Asters, grasses and other meadow plants, this familiar eastern species is a real treat in gardens west of the Rockies as well. Digging Dog

This 1993 introduction from Ken Moore of the NC Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill was originally selected from a NC coastal plain population of S. rugosa. Despite its southern heritage, it was rated #1 in the goldenrod trials at the Chicago Botanic Garden. From a slowly spreading rhizome, the stalks emerge upward in late spring, topping out at 3' tall. In mid-August in NC the clumps are showered with 18" long arching spires of brilliant yellow flowers held well atop the foliage. The flowers resemble fireworks or literally bombs bursting in air...one of the finest additions to the fall garden! Plant Delights

The rough-stemmed (S. rugosa) is another tall variety, whose specific Latin name means "with wrinkled leaves.'' The word "rugged'' is based on the same root; apparently something that's rough and wrinkled was considered "rugged'' or tough. Since this species likes dry soils and dusty roadsides, the name is doubly appropriate.

The flowers of various species of goldenrods have been used to make reliable yellow dyes for cloth. While their excellence as dyes has been recognized for several centuries, goldenrod colorings for some reason were little used professionally and were popular mostly in the home. Thomas Edison experimented with using goldenrods as a source of rubber. Ancient divinersbelieved the plant could be used to point the way to underground sources of water, hidden springs, and even to troves of silver and gold.

With so much beauty and so many uses to its credit, it's not surprising that two states -- Kentucky and Nebraska -- have named it their state flower. http://www.acorn-online.com/hedge/golden.htm

Growing and Maintenance Tips

S. rugosa can be found in fields, thickets and roadsides. Prefers moist, well-drained soils in full sun to shade. More tolerant of wet soils than others. Propagate by seed or division. Cut back to encourage rebloom. Best used in the meadow, butterfly or wild gardens.