Bluestem Goldenrod
Image by Dan Mullen
Scientific Description: Bluestem Goldenrod – Solidago caesia – is an herbaceous, perennial native to eastern North America. It does best in Hardiness Zones 4 through 8, prefers full sun to partial shade, is a member of the Aster (Asteraceae) family and needs dry to medium soil conditions. Stems are smooth and greenish when young, becoming bluish or purplish with age. It grows to a height of 18 inches to three feet and has a lateral spread of the same length.
This goldenrod species can be differentiated from others (especially Rough-leaved goldenrod, S. rugosa) by the length of its leaves. Near the ground, the leaves of Bluestem Goldenrod are about six inches long, whereas those of Rough-leaved Goldenrod are about four inches long. Further up the stem, the leaves of both species are far shorter.
Bluestem Goldenrod produces a series of showy, yellow flowers in August through September, housed in a panicle. It has low maintenance needs and will reward a homeowner with not only the beautiful flower display, but also its attraction for butterflies and many other pollinating insects, especially various species of bees.
This species is often found in woodlands but does best in full sun. It has no known disease or insect problems, although it can occasionally have problems with rust.
Many people associate several goldenrod species with hay fever illnesses. However, two recent studies have shown that the real culprit is ragweed, which liberates its hay fever producing pollen at the same time goldenrod is flowering.
Habitat Value: Many songbirds seek out this species for its small seeds and deer and other herbivores species graze on the foliage.
Landscape Value: By Matt Whitaker of WMWA Landscape Architects
Solidago caesia is a garden favorite for its purplish/blue stems and leaves and clusters of flowers closely clasped along the leafy stems, unlike many species of goldenrod, which have the blooms massed at the ends of stems. Bluestem goldenrod stems arch out with a horizontal growth habit that keeps the stems, while up to 3-feet long, from reaching that high. Flowering in late summer and early fall makes this a critical pollinator and garden species, and since the number of blooming plants start to decrease this time of year, both pollinators and people are appreciative of the blooms. The quality of the leaves/stem color and the way the blooms are held along the stems also make this a favorite for cut flowers.
Since this is a shade tolerate plant, it will reward you if you give it a break with afternoon shade. Full sun conditions, especially with hot air temps, leave this plant looking stressed by late summer when it starts blooming. It is, after all, a woodland species and can readily be seen along the trails at Audubon Acres. As with many plants, the greater the soil moisture available, the greater sun exposure it will tolerate and still look good. Bluestem Goldenrod is not as aggressive as many other goldenrod species. Like many asters, a late spring pruning will help the plants stay denser and less leggy. You should observe how it grows in your garden before you start pruning.
