Phlox Subulata (moss pink) in landscape. Photo © Elaine Mills

Solidago rugosa (Rough-stemmed Goldenrod)

Solidago rugosa Fireworks young stems and leaves in June

Florets on peduncle with subtending bract of Solidago rugosa "Fireworks' (rough-stemmed goldenrod.

Solidago rugosa Fireworks at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Solidago rugosa Fireworks with common buckeye butterfly

Solidago rugosa Fireworks flowers

Solidago rugosa Fireworks flowers with wasp

Solidago rugosa Fireworks in residential landscape

Solidago rugosa Fireworks in November

Solidago rugosa Fireworks cypsela and pappi in december

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Golden sprays of flowers brighten the garden from late summer to frost, supporting 115 species of moths, butterflies, native bees, and other insect pollinators. They also brighten natural habitats across the Mid-Atlantic Region. The cultivar ‘Fireworks’ is more compact, easier to contain, and flowers more vigorously than the species. Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic Perennial Species, ‘Fireworks’ Cultivar with Pollinator* Height: 1–61⁄2 feet (‘Fireworks’ 21⁄2–3 feet) Spread: 11⁄2–21⁄2 feet (‘Fireworks’ 21⁄2–3 feet) Bloom Color: Yellow Characteristics Clumping perennial w/ sturdy, erect, hairy stems Narrow, toothed, “wrinkled” leaves Tiny ray and disk flowerheads at the ends (and usually on the upper side) of arching stems Bloom from August to November Spreads by rhizome; can be aggressive Attributes Tolerates clay soil, wet soil, and light shade No serious pests or diseases; deer seldom severely damage Especially gorgeous when paired with native purple or blue fall asters; good cut flowerE Ethnobotanic uses; goldenrod pollen does NOT cause hay fever; ragweed pollen does Attracts a wide variety of beneficial insects and some birds; larval host to numerous moth species Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Slightly acidic loam or sand Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Water Requirements: Moist, Wet Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms Use in mixed borders or in butterfly, cutting, meadow or rain gardens or at fresh water’s edge Excellent Replacement for Coronilla varia - Crown Vetch *Numerous beneficial insects and late season pollinators, like pictured common buckeye butterfly, frequent flowers of Solidago species. Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–8 developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Elaine Mills (top), Meadowlark Botanical Gardens and by Mary Free (bottom), Simpson Gardens

Tried and True Native Plant Selections
for the Mid-Atlantic

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Solidago rugosa (Rough-stemmed Goldenrod)

Golden sprays of flowers brighten the garden from late summer to frost, supporting 115 species of moths, butterflies, native bees, and other insect pollinators. They also brighten natural habitats across the Mid-Atlantic Region. The cultivar ‘Fireworks’ is more compact, easier to contain, and flowers more vigorously than the species.

Video © Mary Free

In the Sunny Garden and at Simpson Gardens you will find the two best herbaceous plants for attracting butterflies and moths–goldenrod and aster–planted side by side. Two native species of goldenrod in this video feature a variety of pollinating insects. Predators that feed on flower nectar include solitary digger wasps, one that preys on bees and the other primarily on adult beetles as well as the invasive but arguably beneficial European paper wasp, which preys on caterpillars and other garden pests. Also present is the brilliantly colored, native locust borer. Although a serious pest of the black locust tree, it provides important cross-pollination services as it satisfies its appetite for pollen. Learn more about Pollinators.

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

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