University of Vermont Extension System
Department of Plant and Soil Science

Perennial of the Month - August 1998

Solidago sphacelata 'Golden Fleece'

(sol-i-day' go sfaa-ce-laa' tah)

Common name: Goldenrod

Family: Asteraceae, Aster

Height x width: 2-3' high x 2-3' wide

Growth rate: moderate

Foliage: alternate, often dentate, sometimes with basal rosettes; for native species canadensis leaves are lanceolate 4-6" long and sharply serrate

Flowers: many small flowers clustered along stems, fall

Hardiness: zones 3-6 to 8

Soil: well-drained

Light: sun to part shade

Pests and Problems: spider mites, leaf rust, lacebug on some species, chewing by mammals

Landscape habit, uses: meadow and natural gardens, borders, cut flower, bee and butterfly gardens; spreading, useful massed as groundcover

Other interest: this genus is usually erroneously thought to cause allergies, which are actually caused by ragweed (Ambrosia) which blooms at the same time; native to North America, species have been taken to Europe, hybridized, and are seen extensively in gardens and in Europe as a cut flower especially for cemetaries; genus name from the Latin solidus meaning whole, refering to its traditional healing properties; this cultivars selected and introduced in 1980's by Dr. Richard Lighty of Mt. Cuba Center in Delaware

Other culture: may need division in borders every 3-4 years, taller species and cultivars need staking in the border

Propagation: seeds, division of desirable types

Sources: many; as always, check with your local garden center or perennial nursery

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