Solidago altissima var. altissima (Native)

Common Name
Tall goldenrod
Plant Form
Herbs
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
6.0
Growth Rate
Medium
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Commercially Available

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Photographer: jmheberling
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: jmheberling
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

iNaturalist Research-grade Observation Image Gallery
Habitat

Fields, roadsides, clearings, meadows, and other open, disturbed habitats; strongly rhizomatous and often forming large colonies. Common throughout Virginia

Wildlife value

Supports Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata) larvae. Bees, butterflies, and beetles, especially flower (soldier) beetles (Chauliognathus) are strongly attracted to the nectar-rich flowers.  Members of the genus Solidago supports specialized bees. Dead stems are used by stem-nesting bees. Birds eat seeds

Pruning Guidance
Pruning Time
Late spring (after insect emergence)
Pruning Method
Cut stems to 8–24 inches in spring
Chop-and-drop
Wildlife Benefits
Seedheads provide winter food for birds
Standing stems support overwintering insects
Cut stems retained at 8–24 inches support insect habitat
Pruning Notes
Leave stems and seedheads standing through fall and winter. Birds eat the seeds, and insects shelter in and on the stems. In late spring, after several nights above 50°F, cut the old stems to 8 to 24 inches at varied heights. Bees and other insects nest in the cut stubs the following summer. Lay the cut tops loosely in the bed so insects still inside can emerge. Spreads aggressively by rhizomes. Galls on the stems shelter overwintering insects that chickadees and woodpeckers feed on.
Additional Notes

Weedy

Flower Color
Gold/Yellow
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Bloom Time
Late Summer
Fall
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Moisture Requirements
Average
Soil Texture
Clay
High organic matter
Loamy
Low Maintenance
Yes
Deer Resitant
Yes
Seed or Fruit eaten by wildlife?
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Top 30 for Butterfly and Moth Caterpillars?
Yes
Number of Lepidotera Species Genus Supports
104
Top 30 for Pollen Specialist Bees?
Yes
Number of Pollen Specialist Bees that Rely on this Genus
42
Recommended for
Border
Butterfly garden
Cutting garden
Pollinator garden
Songbirds
Woodlands and woods edge
Tolerates
Dry soils, drought
Species-specific links
Digital Atlas of the Virginia Flora - Species Account
North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox - Species Account