Rough-stemmed goldenrod

Growing and Caring for Plants

Photo:

Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Rough-stemmed goldenrod is a herbaceous perennial with rough leaves that can grow up to 2 m (6.6 ft) tall. The majority of its leaves are cauline. Up to 50 stems from a single plant can bear 50–1500 yellow flower heads apiece. It blooms from late summer to early October. It can be distinguished from Solidago ulmifolia, which has a similar appearance due to the presence of spreading rhizomes and the more abrupt nature of its leaf bases.

Solidago rugosa is a species of flowering plant of the Asteraceae family, known as the wrinkled leaf or rough-stemmed goldenrod. It is prevalent in eastern and central Canada (from the regions of Newfoundland to Ontario) and the eastern and central United States, where it is indigenous to North America (Maine west as far as Wisconsin and Iowa, and south to Florida and Texas). It often inhabits moist mesic environments.

Quick Growing Guide

Botanical Name: Solidago rugosa

See More Plants in this Botanical Family:

Asteraceae

Colour:

Yellow

Blooms:

Sun / Shade:

Water: Keep wet

Soil:

Height:

Up to 5 feet (160 cms)

Pollinators:

Bees

Hardiness Zones:

Appearance

A rough and hairy stem. The size and smoothness of alternate leaves are pretty comparable to one another. Although this species’ traits vary, leaves are often heavily veined and have a rough upper surface. At the end of the plant stem, enormous clusters of yellow flowers are arranged in curved, one-sided clusters. Plants can reach heights of 1 to 5 feet.

Rough-Stemmed Goldenrod is a clump-forming, compact plant with radiating pale yellow flowers at the terminals of its stalks. The surface of the numerous small, serrated leaves is rough and wrinkled. It is a fantastic addition to offer color in the late seasons and to draw in pollinators.

Flowers of the Rough-stemmed Goldenrod

A dense, clump-forming native with stems that reach 2 to 5 feet in length and with bright yellow blooms at the terminals. September is when they bloom. The surface of the numerous small, serrated leaves is rough and wrinkled. This is an excellent addition for adding color in the fall and luring butterflies. Additionally, it appeals to native and honeybee birds.

Goldenrods have recently been accused of causing hay fever. However, ragweed (Ambrosia species), whose pollen is airborne when the goldenrod is in bloom, is actually to blame for the condition’s annoying symptoms.

Rough-Leaf Goldenrod is a perennial herbaceous plant with a height of 4 feet. At the base of the erect stems are leaves with a rough feel. Late summer and early fall see the appearance of arching spikes of golden flowers.

Relation with Nature

Rough-Stemmed Goldenrod’s leaf is a food source for the larvae of several moth species. Numerous insects are drawn to the nectar and pollen of the flowers, including butterflies, skippers, tiny bees, wasps, flies, and beetles. Various insects feed destructively on the plants’ leaves, stems, and other portions. However, the abundant insects that are drawn to rough-stemmed goldenrod are advantageous to insectivorous birds.

Habitat of the Rough-stemmed Goldenrod

This species is highly prevalent in places that have recently been cleared of bushes. Low populations of it exist in invaded areas because it survives in the shade as well. Low abundances of plants are also present in undisturbed prairie fen.