1. Southern Goldenrod – Solidago spectabilis var. confinis
(sol-i-DAY-go spec-TAB-ill-iss kon-FINE-iss)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Native to: Coastal & western CA from the Bay area to Baja; usually on wet stream banks, springs
and marshes to 7500' in coastal sage scrub, chaparral and yellow pine forest.
herbaceous perennial
mature height: 3-5 ft.
mature width: 1-2 ft.
Herbaceous perennial with leaves primarily in a basal rosette. Leaves large, lance-shaped, medium
green. Plant dies back to the ground (or to the rosette) in winter.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in summer, usually Aug-Sept, but depends on weather. Flowering stalks
are stout, woody, rising above the foliage. Flowers are bright golden yellow, in clusters of small
‘sunflower type’ heads. Very showy in bloom – one of the showier goldenrods. Seeds small.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most useful in wet areas of the garden, where it will flourish. Often used in
butterfly or habitat gardens. Good choice for mixed perennial beds, where it lends on old-fashioned
look & cut flowers. Plant yields orange-brown dyes; powdered leaves were used as antiseptic
powder. Flowers do not cause nasal allergies (caused by weeds that bloom at the same time).
Sensible substitute for: Non-native sunflowers like yellow chrysanthemums.
Excellent all-round habitat plant. Blooms attract native pollinators and other beneficial
insects. One of the best plants for attracting a wide range of butterflies. Also provides cover and
seeds for birds. Goldenrods are among our more important habitat plants.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to light shade,
Any, from sandy to heavy clay; any local pH
Like some water – Zone 2-3 probably optimal; fine at the edge of a lawn. Can takes
seasonal flooding.
None needed – but won’t kill it.
Management:
Pretty easy with adequate summer water. Taper off water after bloom.
Propagation: from seed: keep potting soil moist; barely cover seed
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 6, 8, 10, 13
by divisions: fall or spring
11/2/09
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