Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod, Solidago caesia

Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod

Solidago caesia

Benefits: Pollinator Benefit Graphic
Sun Shade: Plant Light Requirements Graphic
Bloom Time: Late Summer/Early Fall
Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Soil Conditions: Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium
Color: Yellow
Fragrance: No
Height: 2-3 feet
Spacing: 1 foot

 Description
Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod (Solidago caesia) or Wreath Goldenrod, is a woodland perennial which occurs in woods, bluff ledges and bluff bases. Typically grows 1.5-3 feet tall on arching, glabrous, wiry, greenish-purple stems which are covered with a silvery-white waxy bloom that can be rubbed off. Tiny, bright yellow, daisy-like flowers typically with 3-4 rays per head appear in a series of loose clusters in the leaf axils along the length of the stems, with the terminal clusters being the largest.

The blooming period occurs from late summer into the fall, lasting about 1 month. Fertile florets are replaced by small bullet-shaped achenes that are finely pubescent. Each achene has a small tuft of hairs. The achenes are distributed by the wind. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. Occasionally, small loose colonies of plants will develop at favorable sites.

Habitats include upland woodlands, woodland openings, bluffs, upper slopes of ravines, and rocky cliffs in shaded or partially shaded areas. This species is usually found in higher quality habitats consisting of upland woodland areas where deciduous trees (especially oaks) are dominant.

This distinctive goldenrod is both elegant and shade-tolerant. Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. A woodland species that tolerates poor, dry soils and light shade, but performs best in full sun. During dry weather, some of the lower leaves may wither away, otherwise they usually remain in good condition. This species is primarily clump-forming and does not spread aggressively

Goldenrods have been wrongfully accused of causing hay fever which is actually an allergic reaction to wind-borne pollen from other plants such as ragweed.

 Plant Notes and Herbal Uses
  Attractive to bees and butterflies.
 Further Information

 Wisconsin Fruit Trees
 Wisconsin Edible Berry Shrubs
 Widsconsin Edible Plants-Eat On The Wild Side
 8 Dandelion Recipes
 Wisconsin Native Plant Nurseries

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