Description

Bluestem Goldenrod, Solidago caesia

QUART POT

Light: Full to part sun

Moisture: Moist, good drainage

Soil: Nutrient-rich, neutral to slightly acidic pH

Height: 2–4 feet

Bloom Season: August – September

Bloom Color: Yellow

Notes: A member of the aster family, Bluestem Goldenrod features hundreds of tiny yellow flowers that appear as loose clusters in leaf axils along the length of arching blue stems—with the terminal flower clusters being the largest. The lance-shaped leaves are 2–5 inches long, medium green, smooth and toothed, with feather-like veins. This plant will spread 1-3 feet.

A woodland species, Bluestem Goldenrod does not spread as rapidly or aggressively as some other goldenrods. It is a beautiful addition to butterfly gardens or along woodland edges. As with all goldenrods, the flowers are an important source of late-season pollen for butterflies and other pollinators. This plant also supports several specialized native bees. Songbirds eat the seeds. Deer resistant.

Photos:
1. Melissa McMasters, Memphis, TN, Wikipedia Commons
2. Eric Hunt, Arkansas, CC BU-SA 4, Wikipedia Commons
3. David Stephens, Bugwood.org