Solidago gigantea (Early Goldenrod)

Blooming earlier than most goldenrod species, Solidago gigantea (Early Goldenrod) is a tall and columnar rhizomatous perennial boasting upright central stems clad with narrowly lance-shaped leaves, 3-5 in. long (7-12 cm), slightly to sharply toothed along their margins. From late summer to mid-fall, it bears broad pyramidal panicles, up to 1 ft. long (30 cm), with recurving branches packed with tiny yellow flowers. Blooming for about 4 weeks, they are attractive to bees, butterflies, and beetles. The blossoms give way to small, bullet-shaped achenes with sessile tufts of hair. Native to most of Canada and the United States, Early Goldenrod occurs naturally on stream and pond margins, floodplain woodlands, wet woods, thickets, wet prairies, and bluff bases. Early Goldenrod provides a bold splash of color in the late-season garden. Easy to grow and low care, this handsome species spreads quickly by creeping rhizomes and self-seeding to form dense colonies. It is a good choice for prairies and meadows.

• Grows up to 3-7 ft. tall (90-210 cm) and 2-6 ft. wide (60-180 cm). Will spread fairly aggressively without becoming invasive.
• Performs best in full sun in average, slightly acidic, moist to wet, well-drained soils. Tolerates light shade and temporary flooding during the spring.
• A vital ingredient of late-season cottage gardens, prairies, and meadows where it adds color and texture.
• Deadhead spent flowers to avoid self-seeding.
• Taller plants tend to lean over when flowers are in bloom. You may want to cut back by half in early summer to reduce the height and prevent the need for staking.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spot.
• Propagate by seed or division of clumps.
• Native to North America.