Solidago speciosa (Showy Goldenrod)

A confirmed deer-resistant, drought-tolerant keystone species recognized as a top-ranked plant for supporting biodiversity across North American ecoregions, showy goldenrod is a documented larval host for the Wavy-lined Emerald moth and supports the same rich roster of ten named specialist bee species found across the Solidago genus.

Species Overview

Solidago speciosa, or showy goldenrod, is a rhizomatous perennial native to the central and eastern United States, forming an upright clump of stiff, reddish stems typically 2 to 4 feet tall. Considered one of the showiest goldenrods, it produces dense, erect, club-shaped terminal clusters of bright yellow flowers that hold upward rather than arching or drooping like most other goldenrod species.

Application

• Late-season keystone pollinator plantings - top-ranked for supporting biodiversity
• Deer-pressured sites - confirmed deer resistant
• Larval host habitat for the Wavy-lined Emerald moth
• Prairie, meadow, and dry clay-soil restoration - confirmed drought and clay tolerant

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Average, dry to medium, well-drained soils; tolerates poor and clay soils
• Drought Tolerance: High
• Flood Tolerance: Low - A dry prairie goldenrod, consistent with this species' already-confirmed habitat profile from earlier work.
• Plant Type: Forb
• Mature Height: 2-4 ft.
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None
• Bloom Color / Period: Yellow; August-October
• Wetland Indicator Status: NI (No Indicator) - see flags
• Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list)
• Hydrology: Dry-Mesic
• Root Depth: Moderate (12-24 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Shade Tolerance: Intolerant
• Growth Habit: Clumping/Mounding
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged)
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports bees, supports specialist/oligolectic bees, supports butterflies, supports moths

Planting Guidance

• Blooms later than most other goldenrods, with flowering stems held erect rather than curving outward and downward. Can become aggressive in rich, moist soils and may topple over - cutting back heavily in June can help control height and prevent flopping.