Solidago fistulosa (Pine Barren Goldenrod)

A genuinely versatile coastal-plain goldenrod named for its frequent occurrence in pine-dominated habitats, pine barren goldenrod's hollow stems (the source of its species epithet, fistulosa, meaning "pipe-like") serve as valuable overwintering habitat for native bees, adding real structural value alongside its confirmed "special value" designation for native and honeybees.

Species Overview

Solidago fistulosa, or pine barren goldenrod, is a rhizomatous perennial native to low-lying coastal areas of eastern North America from Louisiana to New Jersey, typically growing 3 to 6 feet tall (occasionally to 8 feet). Dense panicles of small yellow flower heads - sometimes as many as 500 per plant - bloom starting in late summer into fall and even winter.

Application

• Large-scale naturalized landscapes and expansive restoration - spreads to form dense stands
• Bank stabilization and erosion control
• Special-value native and honeybee habitat
• Bog, marsh-edge, and seasonally wet pine flatwoods restoration

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Moist to seasonally wet, sandy soils; seepage areas, bogs, marsh edges
• Plant Type: Forb
• Mature Height: 4-8 ft.
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None
• Bloom Color / Period: Yellow; September-November
• Wetland Indicator Status: NI (No Indicator) - see flags
• Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list) - New Jersey marks the species' northern range limit
• Hydrology: Mesic-Moist
• Root Depth: Moderate (12-24 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Rapid
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged) (genus (Solidago) listed directly on a formal landscape deer-resistance reference)
• Flood Tolerance: Moderate - Commonly associated with wet pine flatwoods, bogs, and ditches of the coastal plain, distinct from the drier habitat of many other goldenrods.
• Shade Tolerance: Intolerant
• Growth Habit: Spreading - rhizomatous
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
• Pollinator Value: Supports bees

Planting Guidance

• Spreads by rhizomes and stolons to form thick, dense stands - best suited to expansive landscapes rather than small cultivated beds where plant diversity is a priority. Hollow stems provide valuable nesting habitat for overwintering native bees.