Native to eastern Canada and the northeastern US
Herbaceous perennial wildflower growing 2-6 feet tall in a clump-like form
Produces over 1500 small flowerheads
Supports various species of specialized beetles, butterflies and bees
Leaves are 4-6" long and lanceolate with hairy undersides.
Has the potential to become weedy due to the production of alleleopathic compounds which suppress the growth of competing plants
Requires full sun or partial shade and rich, well-drained soil
Hardiness zones 5-10
Sentimental and Symbolic Value
The goldenrod is the state flower of both Nebraska and Kentucky. The reasoning for this in the case of Nebraska, dedicated in 1895, was to "foster a feeling of pride in our state and to stimulate an interest in the history and traditions of our commonwealth". Ida Brockman, daughter of state representative John Brockman, said that "nothing could better represent the hardy endurance of Nebraska's pioneers" than the goldenrod and its long growing seasons. It was later designated in Kentucky, as well as South Carolina as the state wildflower and New Hampshire as the state herb.
The goldenrod's vibrant yellow color gives it an association in various cultures with the sun and with prosperity. Its late-blooming quality also allows it to be invoked as a symbol of hope and joy in art, poetry, and other media.
Specimen photographed at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Plant History and Etymology
Solidago is derived from the Medieval Latin soldago, the name of a herb supposedly able to heal wounds; ultimately from classical Latin solidus, "solid". The specific epithet altissima comes from the Latin altus ("high") and -issimus ("most", "-est"). Some eastern Native Americans used it in teas to cure stomach illnesses, and the Chippewa used it for treating cramps, colds, and fevers. Solidago is a primarily American genus, with only between 6 and 10 goldenrod species being native to an area outside of North America out of the 120 known species in the genus. It was one of the first species to be taken back to Europe by British settlers, beginning to be cultivated in the UK by 1645, and soon migrated throughout Europe and Asia by the 1900s. Since the 1990s, there has been growing concern in these regions about invasiveness.
Design Considerations
Solidago altissima is a hardy, attractive flowering plant which has a long bloom season, lasting from August through November. The flowers are bright yellow and fragrant. Its ability to tolerate rough conditions typically characteristic of cities makes it a strong candidate for an urban garden, however its aggressive, rhizomatous style of spreading and its alleleopathic secretions which suppress other plants makes it difficult to contain in a small planting.
Sources
“Solidago Altissima (Canada Goldenrod, Canadian Goldenrod, Goldenrod, Late Goldenrod, Shorthair Goldenrod, Tall Goldenrod) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.” 2018. Ncsu.edu. 2018. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/solidago-altissima/.
“Merriam-Webster Dictionary.” 2017. Merriam-Webster.com. 2017. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solidago.
Kabuce, N, and N Priede. 2010. “NOBANIS -Invasive Alien Species Fact Sheet Solidago Canadensis Species Description.” https://www.nobanis.org/globalassets/speciesinfo/s/solidago-canadensis/solidago-canadensis.pdf.
“Late Goldenrod, Solidago Altissima L.” 2015. Friendsofthewildflowergarden.org. 2015. https://www.friendsofthewildflowergarden.org/pages/plants/lategoldenrod.html.
“Goldenrod | State Symbols USA.” 2021. Statesymbolsusa.org. 2021. https://statesymbolsusa.org/symbol-official-item/nebraska/state-flower/goldenrod.