Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

Solidago rugosa grows best in full sun with moist, well-drained soil. It's somewhat tolerant of dry and wet soils.

Growth Habit/Description:

An herb that gets up to 3 ft tall with simple, alternate leaves, it has long stems and clusters of small yellow flowers.

Bloom Season:

Solidago rugosa only blooms in the late summer, it produces hundreds of small yellow flowers that curve out along the ends of stems, creating a firework-like appearance.

Fall and/or Winter Interest?

No. 

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

Yes.  It is a larval host plant for multiple moth caterpillars and leaf beetles.

Other Known Ecological Value?

Yes.   Solidago rugosa attracts butterflies and other pollinators.

Origin of Name:  Solidago means "to heal" and comes from its healing abilities, it has been used by multiple Native American groups for medicinal purposes.

Related Plant Species:  Goldenrods are primarily native to North America, however, there are a few odd duck species of goldenrod that are native to South America and Eurasia.

Solidago rugosa “Fireworks” (Rough Goldenrod) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. (n.d.). Plants.ces.ncsu.edu. Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' (Rough Goldenrod) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (ncsu.edu) 

North. (2023). Solidago rugosa “Fireworks” goldenrod from North Creek Nurseries. Northcreeknurseries.com. Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' goldenrod from North Creek Nurseries

Last edited by Paola Sustaita, September 2024.