Woodland goldenrod (Solidago caesia, Sp. Pl.: 879 (1753))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 879 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Solidago

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Woodland goldenrod, known scientifically as Solidago caesia, is a prominent member of the Asteraceae family. Described by the renowned botanist Carolus Linnaeus in his pivotal work, “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this species is distinguished by its vibrant yellow flowering spikes and its graceful arching stems.

Native to the rich, temperate environments of Eastern Canada extending down to the Central and Eastern United States, woodland goldenrod flourishes in shady forests and woodland edges. This perennial herb creates a breathtaking autumnal display, typically blooming between late summer and early fall.

Coming into its prime during late August through October, the woodland goldenrod adds a golden hue to its habitat, attracting a variety of pollinators. The plant’s slender, smooth stems bear delicate clusters of bright yellow flowers that not only enhance the biodiversity of their ecosystems but also provide essential nectar for bees and butterflies.

Highly adaptable, Solidago caesia thrives in shaded to partially shaded conditions, often preferring moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Its ability to grow in such conditions makes it an invaluable plant for gardeners looking to introduce color to shaded areas while supporting local fauna.

The elegant foliage of the woodland goldenrod features alternate, lance-shaped leaves which are dark green, contributing to the plant’s ornamental value throughout the growing season before its flowering spectacle begins. This plant is celebrated not only for its beauty but also for its resilience and ecological importance within its native range.

Common Names

Eng: axillary goldenrod, bluestem goldenrod, woodland goldenrod, wreath goldenrod, blue-stemmed goldenrod
Swe: dagg-gullris
Fra: verge d’or bleuâtre, solidage verte
En: Woodland goldenrod, Axillary goldenrod, Wreath goldenrod, Bluestem goldenrod, Blue-stemmed goldenrod
Fr: Verge d’or bleuâtre, Solidage verte
Sv: Dagg-gullris

Synonyms

• Solidago axillaris (Banks ex Pursh)
• Solidago dubia (Scop.)
• Solidago plantaginea (Desf.)
• Solidago gracilis (Poir.)
• Solidago flabellata (Schrad. ex Spreng.)
• Solidago verrucosa (Schrad.)
• Solidago arguta (Spreng.)
• Solidago livida (Willd.)
• Aster caesius (Kuntze)
• Leioligo caesia ((L.) Raf.)
• Solidago caesia var. paniculata (A.Gray)
• Solidago elliptica (Aiton)
• Solidago caesia var. axillaris ((Banks ex Pursh) A.Gray)
• Solidago argentea (Hornem.)
• Solidago schraderi (DC.)
• Solidago caesia f. axillaris ((Banks ex Pursh) House)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Oct 30, 2019 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2020 by jan kelly (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 4, 2020 by Marilyn Lerner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by allisorusrex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2020 by Marissa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2022 by r.devereaux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2021 by cteubl (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 17, 2013 by EOL − Erin Faulkner (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 7, 2012 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 24, 2019 by Drew Vandegrift (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2021 by Olga Olga (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2020 by Suzanne Mooser (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 9, 2019 by Bruce Winter (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 26, 2019 by Melissa Melissa Keneely (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2010 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 29, 2008 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2008 (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 25, 2016 by EOL − Erika Mitchell (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5389076)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:240139-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Solidago caesia L.)

Specifications

Growth form: Rhizomatous

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 5.5