Goldenrod, Wreath

Description

Botanical Name:    Solidago caesia

Common Name:    Wreath Goldenrod, Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod, Axillary Goldenrod, Woodland Goldenrod

Description:    This is just one of the 22 goldenrod species native to Florida.

Wreath goldenrod is a clumping perennial wildflower. The arching blue-green stems have oblong leaves that gradually become smaller as they form up the stem. These stems are maroon/purple in color for much of their length, giving rise to one of its common name. From late summer into fall, plants are graced with beautiful yellow flowers that grow in the upper leaf axils. It grows in loamy, clay, or rocky soils. Plant in part sun to part shade. This is drought tolerant and somewhat deer and bunny resistant. It is not an aggressively spreading goldenrod. It matures at 1.5 – 3 feet tall x 1-1.5 feet wide.

This has special value to our native bees and honey bees. Wasps, pollinating flies, and other pollinators get nectar and pollen from the flowers It attracts good bugs that eat the bad bugs, so add it to your Integrated Pest Management plan. Seed are eaten by songbirds. It is a host plant to Wavy-lined Emerald moth.

Its native habitat is in open upland woods, shaded bluffs, and slopes of wooded ravines.

This plant in 1-gallon containers is 5 – 15 inches tall.

Plant Lore:  Genus name comes from the Latin words solidus meaning whole and ago meaning to make in reference to the medicinal healing properties of some species plants. Specific epithet means light blue. Goldenrod is edible and has long been used as a remedy for such ailments as arthritis and eczema. It is said to reduce pain and inflammation.

Florida Hardiness Zones 8 – 9