Solidago pinetorum (Pineywoods Goldenrod)

Solidago pinetorum is called Small's goldenrod, pineland goldenrod or the pineywoods goldenrod. With a narrow native range restricted to Virginia and North Carolina, this goldenrod is uncommon elsewhere in the states.

Pineland goldenrod can be distinguished from other goldenrods by its shorter height, up to 3 feet or less, and its clumping rather than rhizomatous habit. Among goldenrods this species is polite in its spread, which occurs through reseeding on open ground.

It is also among the earliest blooming goldenrods, blooming with long arching stems tipped with brush-like panicles of bright small yellow clusters. Flowering begins as early as June and usually hits full swing in July. By fall, the seed heads tend to have a brown/buttery color compared to the snowy white fluff of other goldenrods. 

Goldenrod blooms support many uncommon and rare specialist bees, which only feed on the nectar and pollen of a select few flowering plants to survive. In particular small mining bees are attracted to the blooms. The genus is also considered a keystone plant, supporting a wide range of native insects as a larval host species.

Pineywoods goldenrod grows in poor and sandy soils of roadsides and hillsides, and it plays well in a wild meadow or dry prairie setting with other goldenrods, asters, native grasses, and drought tolerant wildflowers. The species is adapted to woodland edges and dry hillsides, so it can take part sun and steep typography. So long as the soil is well draining and not soggy, this plant will thrive.

Propagated by seed from wild populations in Hanover County, Virginia.