Solidago caesia (Bluestem goldenrod)

Bluestem goldenrod, also known as Wreath goldenrod, is found in upland and lowland woods and along streams and rocky rivines. This species is a smaller, well-behaved woodland goldenrod that grows in sunny and also shady conditions, tolerant of almost all soil types and moistures.

 

Identified primarily by the fact it grows short, in shady and semi-moist areas not far from bodies of water. Another key feature is that the blooms persist along the entire stem in late summer and autumn, hence the nickname: "wreath goldenrod." Songbirds such as goldfinches sparingly eat the small fluffy seeds.

Non-aggressive colonizing and clumping habit; spreads by rhizomes but very slowly, 3 inches or less a year. May need more water in additional sunlight, drought tolerant once established. Pairs well with shade loving species, such as woodland ferns, wild geranium, white wood aster, common blue wood aster, spicebush, Chasmantium latifolium (inland woodoats grass) and Elymus genus grass such as bottlebrush grass.

 

A common misconception is that goldenrod pollen causes hayfever, which is untrue. The pollen of solidago is dense and pollinated by insects. Hayfever is caused by the wind-disbursed pollen of the Ambrosia (ragweed) genus.