Sun Exposure: Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture: Medium, Medium-Dry
Soil Type: Sand-Loam, Loam, Loam-Clay
Height: 2 - 3 feet
Spread: 2 feet
Blooms: August, September, October
Root: Fibrous, Rhizome
Habitat: Upland woodlands, Woodland openings, Bluffs, Upper slopes of ravines
Landscape uses: Pollinator garden, Woodland planting, Naturalization, Shade garden
Complimentary Plants: Large-leaf Aster, Heart-leaf Aster, American Spikenard
Wildlife Value: The nectar and pollen of the flowers can attract a wide variety of insects, especially short-tongued bees, wasps, and flies. Seeds attract Indigo Bunting, Slate-Colored Junco, Tree Sparrow, Eastern Goldfinch, and other songbirds. Host plant: many moth species
Seed Origin: Winona, MN (Prairie Moon seed supplier)
Germination Code: C(60), D
Photo credits: all by Sundaura Alford-Purvis
Solidago caesia - Blue-stemmed Goldenrod
Bluestem Goldenrod is another shade tolerant Solidago species. This interesting plant has long stems that are covered in small yellow flowers. Another common name for this plant is Wreath Goldenrod, as it has more arching stems, thinner leaves, and the stem color in mature plants has a dark, somewhat bluish tone. Blue-stemmed Goldenrod forms attractive loose clumps and pairs well with any of the woodland Asters to give your shady planting a burst of colour in the fall. Goldenrods are also one of the most important plant for late-season pollinator nutrition.
*Goldenrod does not cause allergies. This is a misindentification, as all Goldenrod species have dense, sticky pollen (to attach to the bodies of pollinators). Goldenrods are often confused with Ragweed (which has light pollen that is picked up by the wind).