Showy Goldenrod - Solidago speciosa

 Category: Perennial

Common Name: Showy Goldenrod

Scientific Name: Solidago speciosa

Sun Conditions:Full Sun

Soil Conditions: Dry to Medium Moist

Height Range: 3-5 ft (to 6 ft)

Width Range: 2-4 ft

Growth Habit: Upright

Growth Rate: Medium

Bloom Color: Yellow

Bloom Time: Late Summer to Fall (August-October)

Seed/Fruit Production: Yes

Foliage Color: Green

Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8

Evergreen: No

Deer Resistant: Yes, moderately (goldenrods are generally deer resistant; young foliage is occasionally nibbled)

Forage: Young foliage occasionally nibbled by deer and other herbivores; seeds eaten by Eastern Goldfinch and Greater Prairie Chicken

Poisonous: No known toxicity

Wildlife Value Highlights: Meadows, prairies, cottage gardens, borders, cut/dried flowers, roadsides and restoration; drought and clay tolerant; tall stems benefit from shorter grasses/forbs for support

Ecological/Landscape Use: Valuable late-season nectar and pollen for native bees, honeybees, Monarchs, butterflies, moths and beetles; supports specialist Solidago bees (Andrena, Colletes, Perdita); songbirds and prairie chickens eat the seeds

Lepidoptera Supported by Family/Group: Goldenrods host 115-122 Lepidoptera species, incl. Wavy-lined Emerald, Brown-hooded Owlet and asteroid moths; Monarchs feed on the nectar before migration

Lepidoptera Supported by Species: Synchlora aerata, Cucullia convexipennis, Cucullia asteroides

For More Info: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/solidago-speciosa/