Local Ecotype
Perennial
Full sun to part shade
Moist to dry soil
18-36” tall, forms small clump
Blooms mid summer to fall
As its name suggests, Delicate Goldenrod is a slender, tidier member of the genus Solidago. It does not spread through creeping rhizomes unlike many goldenrods, instead producing a tight clump of several stems from a single woody base called a caudex. It was once a variety of Elmleaf Goldenrod, but is now considered its own species. Delicate Goldenrod is a rugged and adaptable dweller of upland forests. It is often found growing in challenging places like mossy berms, steep embankments, and rock crevices. Such individuals may only reach 6 inches tall at flowering, but 2-3 feet is more average for this species. The blooming period lasts from July-October.
The blooms feed primarily smaller pollinators like bees, beetles, and skippers. The foliage is food for various insects and herbivores, and small birds may eat the late-maturing seeds.
Delicate Goldenrod grows best in light shade to part sun. It is quite drought tolerant provided it has some shade, though it appreciates average moisture. With its smaller stature and modest growth habit, this is a great choice for woodland gardens, especially those that tend to be a bit dry. This is a fairly long-lived perennial that reproduces via wind-blown seed. It is rarely bothered by disease.
Local Ecotype
Perennial
Full sun to part shade
Moist to dry soil
18-36” tall, forms small clump
Blooms mid summer to fall
As its name suggests, Delicate Goldenrod is a slender, tidier member of the genus Solidago. It does not spread through creeping rhizomes unlike many goldenrods, instead producing a tight clump of several stems from a single woody base called a caudex. It was once a variety of Elmleaf Goldenrod, but is now considered its own species. Delicate Goldenrod is a rugged and adaptable dweller of upland forests. It is often found growing in challenging places like mossy berms, steep embankments, and rock crevices. Such individuals may only reach 6 inches tall at flowering, but 2-3 feet is more average for this species. The blooming period lasts from July-October.
The blooms feed primarily smaller pollinators like bees, beetles, and skippers. The foliage is food for various insects and herbivores, and small birds may eat the late-maturing seeds.
Delicate Goldenrod grows best in light shade to part sun. It is quite drought tolerant provided it has some shade, though it appreciates average moisture. With its smaller stature and modest growth habit, this is a great choice for woodland gardens, especially those that tend to be a bit dry. This is a fairly long-lived perennial that reproduces via wind-blown seed. It is rarely bothered by disease.