Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

The showy goldenrod prefers full to partial sun and partial shade. In terms of soil, it prospers best in well draining soil with medium to dry moisture, such as clay soils.

Growth Habit/Description:

These plants can grow from 2-6 ft tall in height and are classified as a herb. The stems sprout a pyramidal or club shaped terminal cluster of small, bright yellow flowers that are densely packed together. The stems itself can grow singly or in small clusters with stiff, narrow leaves.

Bloom Season:

From late summer to early fall, or August to October, the showy goldenrod will produce an abundance of tiny yellow flowers.

Fall and/or Winter Interest?

Yes. During the fall, or after blooming season, many late pollinators feed from the flowers. When they produce their fruits/seeds, it can serve as food for many birds, insects, and small mammals during the fall or early winters. Additionally, because these plants can stand throughout the winter, their tall and dense structures can also provide cover for many creatures.

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

Yes. The showy goldenrod supports a variety of insects as a host plant to  various checkerspot butterfly species (Euphydryas), goldenrod gall moth (Gnorimoschema gallaesolidaginis), goldenrod flower moth (Schinia nundina), painted lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui), grey hairstreak butterfly (Strymon melinus), brown hooded owlet moth (Cucullia convexipennis), and the common looper moth (Autographa precationis).

Other Known Ecological Value?

Yes. This plant serves to be vital during the late fall season for late pollinators and the migrating monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus). Not only that, the seedheads of the showy goldenrod are an important food source for birds during the winter. Because they also host a variety of larvae during the winter, they are also important food sources for birds such as chickadees and woodpeckers.

Origin of Name:  As per its name, the showy goldenrod is one of the showiest goldenrods species, hence its name.

Related Plant Species:  The showy goldenrod is related to many other species of daisies and asters because all three share the same family, Asteraceae. Outside of this family, there are about 150 species of goldenrod (Solidago) in the world, a few of which (Solidago rugosa and Solidago flexicualis) are located in the garden. Solidago rugosa  'Fireworks ' has arching sprays of yellow flowers in late summer, as opposed to the large spike-shaped flowers up to a foot long displayed by Solidago speciosa, and Solidago flexicaulis (Zig zag goldenrod) is a ground cover species with the flowers that cluster up the stems in a zig zag pattern.

Use For Food/Medicine: Because it's genus name Solidago means "to make whole" or "heal" in Latin, goldenrod has various medicinal uses. The plant contains saponins and flavonoid antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory benefits and can prevent harmful bacterial growth. Additionally, it has been claimed that it has helped with treatment of tuberculosis, diabetes, lower blood pressure, and flushing out kidney stones.

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