Pretty Wild
Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa)
Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa)
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Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa)
Showy Goldenrod is, like its name suggests, the showiest of the goldenrods, with upright golden flower spikes that bloom from late summer into fall. Unlike the more common and aggressive goldenrod species, S. speciosa grows in tidy, non-spreading clumps, making it perfect for smaller gardens beds and borders. It also blooms later than other goldenrod species, extending your garden's beauty and pollinator support well into fall. It's important to note here that goldenrod species often get wrongly blamed for allergies/hay fever, but their pollen is quite heavy and can't become airborne. No midwestern garden is complete without goldenrod, and this is the species of it we recommend most!
Growing Conditions:
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Light: Full sun
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Soil: Dry to medium, well-drained (sandy and rocky soils tolerated)
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Moisture: Drought-tolerant once established
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Height: 2–4 feet
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Zones: 3–8
- Bloom time: September, October, November
Wildlife Value:
A top nectar and pollen source for late-season pollinators, especially native bees like bumblebees (Bombus species) and specialist bees like Andrena solidaginis. In Wisconsin, Showy Goldenrod is a host plant for moths like the Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata) and the Asteroid Moth (Cucullia asteroides). Birds also feed on its seeds through fall and winter.
Showy goldenrod blooms at the same time as Joe Pye Weed, several liatris species (like prairie blazing star and rough blazing star), common iron weed and many aster species (like New England Aster, Smooth Blue Asters, Aromatic Aster)

