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Solidago rugosa (Wrinkleleaf goldenrod)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Solidago rugosa P. Mill.

Wrinkleleaf goldenrod, Wrinkle-leaf goldenrod, Rough-leaved goldenrod, Roughleaf goldenrod, Rough-stemmed goldenrod, Roughstem goldenrod

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

USDA Symbol: soru2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Thin sprays of arching flowering stems occur at the top of sturdy, erect, 2-5 ft. stems. The numerous, narrow, toothed leaves are rough-surfaced.Tall, rough, hairy stem bears divergent, or arching, branches with small, light yellow flower heads concentrated on the upper side. The plant occurs in clumps.

This highly variable goldenrod can form large masses in fields that were once cultivated. Physicians in ancient times believed that goldenrod had healing powers; in recent times these plants have been popularly blamed for causing hay fever, but its irritating symptoms are actually caused by ragweed (Ambrosia species), whose pollen is abundant when goldenrod is in flower.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf: Green
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Sep

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MO , MS , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: NB , NL , NS , ON , PE , QC
Native Distribution: Nf. to GA, w. to MI, MO & TX
Native Habitat: Low woods; meadows; old fields; pine barrens; bogs
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N), SPM(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Wet
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Most well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: This is a variable species and is divided into two subspecies, the typical one subdivided into three varieties.

Benefit

Use Medicinal: Physicians in ancient times believe that goldenrod had healing powers; in recent times these plants have been popularly blamed for causing hay fever, but its irritating symptoms are actually caused by ragweed, whose pollen is abundant where goldenrod is in flower. (Niering)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds

Value to Beneficial Insects

Special Value to Native Bees
Special Value to Honey Bees
Supports Conservation Biological Control

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Propagation

Description: If seeds are sown fresh, plant outdoors. Germination is often poor so sow thickly. Stem tip cuttings can be taken in May or June. Division of the basal rosettes, usually in late winter, offers the easiest method of increase. Mature plants can yield 30
Seed Collection: In October, examine a tuft of nutlets. If they are off-white or gray, they need more time. Mature seeds are white. Most seeds are flat and not viable. Viable seeds are thicker. Seeds remain in the heads for several weeks past the first frost. Store dry in sealed, refrigerated containers.
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery - Orefield, PA
Amandas Garden - Springwater, NY
American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Solidago rugosa in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Solidago rugosa in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Solidago rugosa

Metadata

Record Modified: 2010-10-17
Research By: TWC Staff

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