Showy Goldenrod

Solidago speciosa

Showy Goldenrod is one of the most striking species in the genus, with a feathery plume of flowers ranging from pale yellow to deep yellow, perched atop a beautiful red stem.

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Introduction

Showy Goldenrod is one of the most striking species in the genus, with a feathery plume of flowers ranging from pale yellow to deep yellow, perched atop a beautiful red stem.

Showy Goldenrod tends to bloom a bit later than most other Goldenrods. Unlike some of its relatives, this Goldenrod is not aggressive. Solidago speciosa has a fibrous root system, rather than the rhizomatous one seen in Solidago canadensis. While it will slowly spread to form clumps, it won’t overwhelm small spaces the way Solidago canadensis can.

This plant can be found growing in the native plant garden, along the northern edge of the woodland.

About the Plant

Despite its beauty, Goldenrods often get blamed for causing hayfever, which is a misconception. Their large, sticky pollen is designed to stick to visiting insects, not become airborne, so it won’t trigger allergies. The real culprit behind hayfever is ragweed, whose lightweight, wind-borne pollen fills the air. Goldenrods play an important role in the landscape, providing vital ecosystem services well into fall when many plants are winding down.

The flowers attract a variety of insects, including honeybees, bumblebees, ants, beetles and occasional moths or butterflies. Notable beetle visitors include the Goldenrod Soldier Beetle and Black Blister Beetle, which mainly come for nectar. Many moth caterpillars feed on different parts of this Goldenrod and others, and leafhoppers, lace bugs, plant bugs and other beetles also feed on it. Eastern Goldfinches and Greater Prairie Chickens eat the seeds, while mammals such as deer, rabbits, groundhogs and goats occasionally nibble on the leaves, stems and flowers.