Solidago caesia

Common Names

Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod, Bluestem Goldenrod, Wreath Goldenrod

Summary

Blue-stemmed goldenrod, also known as wreath goldenrod (Solidago caesia), is a native woodland perennial of eastern North America. It grows 1.5–3 feet tall on arching, wiry stems with a bluish-purple tint and a silvery-white waxy bloom, bearing small yellow daisy-like flowers in leaf axils along the stems and larger terminal clusters from late summer to fall.

It prefers full sun to partial shade and average to dry, well-drained soils, forms loose clumps, and does not spread aggressively. It tolerates drought and clay soils, is hardy in USDA zones 4–8, and attracts bees and butterflies while serving as a larval host for certain moths. Propagation is by seed, which requires a winter cold period for germination; suitable for native plant gardens, open woodlands, borders, meadows, or butterfly gardens.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-3 feet

Spread

1.5-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4a-8b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soils, ideally loam or clay-loam, ranging from dry to moderately moist.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soils

Soil pH

Neutral, around pH 7

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Fall (August–October)

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds