SCIENTIFIC NAME: Solidago speciosa

COMMON NAME: Showy Goldenrod

GARDEN SIZE: 60 inches tall x 24 to 36 inches wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 3 to 8

EXPOSURE: Full Sun

WATER & SOIL: Prefers well-drained, medium to dry soils; tolerates mesic to dry conditions and thrives in poor soils

HABIT (FORM): Upright, clump-forming with a feathery plume of golden flowers on red-tinged stems

FOLIAGE: Green

FLOWERS: Dense clusters of bright to pale yellow flowers atop upright stems; blooms from September to November

PLANT ORIGIN: Central and eastern North America (including Tennessee)

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Supports native bees, lepidoptera (moths and butterflies), and birds (especially finches). Deer and rabbit resistant.

FERTILIZING: Give a root stimulant or 4-3-3 fertilizer during initial planting, then feed lightly in late winter or early spring with compost or an organic fertilizer.

PRUNING: Cut back to just above soil level in early spring. Leave the seedheads in place over the fall and winter to support wildlife.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Not generally considered toxic to dogs, cats, or horses. Always research further if you have concerns, as reactions can occur with anything.

USES: Borders, containers, meadows, prairies, pollinator gardens. Cut flowers.