Wand goldenrod
Pictured above: Wand goldenrod by Eleanor Dietrich. Click on terms for botanical definitions. View post as a PDF.
Wand goldenrod (Solidago stricta) persists in wetter environments than most of our other native goldenrods, occurring naturally in wet flatwoods and prairies. It blooms in fall and has a slender wand-like appearance, similar to blazing stars (Liastris spp.) that flower at the same time. Goldenrods have wonderful wildlife value. The flowers attract butterflies, bees and other pollinators, and birds flock to the late fall and winter seeds.
Wand goldenrod’s narrow erect flower spikes can be up to 10 inches long and are densely packed with small yellow flowers. The plant has lanceolate basal leaves, and small appressed leaves along its flowering stems. The stems die back after seeds mature.
Goldenrod is often mistakenly blamed for triggering allergies, but it is ragweed, which blooms heavily around the same time, that is actually to blame.
Family: Asteraceae (Aster, composite or daisy family)
Native range: Statewide
To see where natural populations of Wand goldenrod have been vouchered, visit florida.plantatlas.usf.edu.
Lifespan: Perennial
Soil: Moist, moderately to poorly drained sand
Exposure: Full sun
Growth habit: Up to 4’ when in flower
Propagation: Seed, division
Florida regions of landscape suitability: North, Central, South
Garden tips: A great addition to moist to wet gardens, Wand goldenrod provides bright fall color and food for pollinators and birds. It will self-seed and can also spread via rhizome, although not as aggressively as some other goldenrods.
Seeds are sometimes available from the Florida Wildflower Growers Cooperative. Plants are available from nurseries that specialize in Florida native plants. Visit www.PlantRealFlorida.org to find a nursery in your area.
Learn more about Wand goldenrod from the Florida Native Plant Society and the Institute for Regional Conservation.
For information on other Solidago species, see these resources:
Chapman’s goldenrod
