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Cressler, Alan
Solidago bicolor
Solidago bicolor L.
White Goldenrod, Silverrod
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: SOBI
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
An elongated spike of short-stalked flower heads with white to yellowish-white rays surrounding a yellow central disc atop a hairy, grayish stem.
This is the only Solidago with white rays in the East. Hairy Goldenrod (S. hispida) has yellow rays; it is found from New England south to Georgia, west to Arkansas, and north to Illinois and Minnesota.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall.
Fruit: Fruit is a cypsela (pl. cypselae). Though technically incorrect, the fruit is often referred to as an achene.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , YellowBloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , GA , IL , IN , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MO , MS , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , TN , VA , VT , WI , WVCanada: NB , NS , ON , PE , QC
Native Distribution: Manitoba east to Nova Scotia, south to Georgia, west to Louisiana, and north to Illinois and Wisconsin.
Native Habitat: Thin woods and clearings.
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , ShadeSoil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Sandy
Benefit
Warning: The leaves and berries of this plant contain the poisonous alkaloid solanine; although the toxic quality of the berries seems to disappear with ripening, it is best not to eat them. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condiConspicuous Flowers: yes
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesSpecial Value to Honey Bees
Supports Conservation Biological Control
This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Solidago bicolor in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Solidago bicolor in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Solidago bicolor
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-01-16Research By: TWC Staff