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Mertensia virginica en masse.
Mertensia virginica en masse. Photo © Mary Free
You are here: Home / Plants / Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic / Perennials / Solidago caesia (Blue-stemmed or Wreath Goldenrod)

Solidago caesia (Blue-stemmed or Wreath Goldenrod)

Leaves emerging from ground in spring
Green solidago caesia leaves in June
Close-up of flower buds and leaves
Glabrous stems of native Solidago caesia (blue-stemmed goldenrod)
Yellow flowers up close with bumble bee.
close up of 3 flower sprays in September
Mass of yellow flower sprays in full bloom
Close-up of one spray of yellow flowers with green oblong leaves

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Perennial Height: 2–3 feet Spread: 1–2 feet Bloom Color: Yellow Characteristics Clump-forming perennial w/ smooth, arching stems Alternate, lance-shaped leaves on bluish stems, becoming smaller toward stem tip Clusters of tiny, bright yellow, daisy-like flowers along the stem in leaf axils, August to October Small oblong cypsela attached to fluffy pappus, distributed by wind September to November Spreads by self-seeding and rhizomes, but not aggressively Attributes Tolerates drought, clay soil, dry shade, Black Walnut No serious insect or disease problems; deer may graze on foliage Insect-pollinated; does not cause pollen allergies Attracts many pollinators to nectar and pollen; songbirds eat seeds; larval host for moth species Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Well-drained, loam, clay-loam Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Water Requirements: Dry, Moist Flowering and form best with 3 hours of sun, part sun to part shade Lower leaves may wither in dry weather Use in open woodlands, meadows, cottage, or butterfly gardens Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–8 Excellent Replacement for Corydalis - Fumewort Chrysanthemum - Mum Hemerocallis fulva - Common Daylily

Tried and True Native Plant Selections
for the Mid-Atlantic

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Solidago caesia (Blue-stemmed or Wreath Goldenrod)

This graceful, well-behaved goldenrod is found in upland woods and clearings throughout eastern North America,* especially in deciduous forests where oak trees are dominant. Its delicate composite flowers attract many late-season pollinators, including native specialist bees.

*It is native throughout most of the Mid-Atlantic Region (mostly below 3,000 feet elevation in the mountains), except for portions of the Delmarva Peninsula in Delaware and Maryland.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: 
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets

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