Solidago rugosa (Fr: verge d'or haute | En: Rough goldenrod)

Description:

This goldenrod is excellent for shadier conditions that  the typical goldenrod. It seems to have a higher moisture requirement. An excellent choice for a more forested garden. 

Its panicle is quite uniquely shaped often as sparse inverted pyramid that is interesting to compare with. Its stem is also quite hairy and its leaves have a much more wrinkled appearance. The combinations of this and its distinct habitat preferences, really make this goldenrod stand out in terms of recognizability. 

reliably produces gorgeous late summer and early fall flowers that support an immense amount of pollinator and insect diversity later, its seeds are also eaten by many of our native song birds, especially during winter.

This species forms clumps unlike other goldenrods, such as Solidago altissa which spread vigorously through roots. This makes it an excellent choice for people who want a goldenrod but are worried about uncontrolled spread.

Habitat: Forests, meadows, marshes, prairies, road sides, early succession farmland

Moisture requirements: moderate

Sun requirements: part sun

Soil requirements: tolerant of many conditions