Rough-stemmed Goldenrod
solidago rugosa
Also known as: ["Rough-stemmed Goldenrod","Wrinkled Goldenrod"]
Overview
A perennial herb native to North America, known for its bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom in late summer and fall.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Solidago |
| Botanical Name: | Solidago rugosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden beds, meadows, or naturalized areas with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but benefits from compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead regularly during blooming; cut back hard in late fall or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure adequate air circulation to prevent mildew.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid direct sun on leaves during peak hours.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in dormant periods
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with average fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; test pH if issues arise.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates heat and cold but thrives in moderate temperatures.
Adjust watering with temperature changes; protect from sudden temperature shifts; monitor for signs of stress.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly; apply before new growth emerges; stop fertilizing in late summer.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; seeds can also be sown in early spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer; division is best done after flowering.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; protect from direct sun until established.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; peat can be added for moisture retention.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for stem cuttings to encourage rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–4 weeks; plants may take a season to establish fully.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining mix, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; cut back stems to basal growth; thin crowded areas for air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back in late fall to tidy appearance and reduce disease.
Tools
Pruners, gloves, sterilizing solution (e.g., rubbing alcohol).
Checklist
Sterilize tools; deadhead regularly; cut back in fall; remove dead/diseased stems.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; may become root-bound if left too long.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; trim roots if needed; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wet foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the day to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, or stunted growth in extreme heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may die back in severe frost; roots can rot in waterlogged soil during cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; avoid overwatering; protect from frost with row covers or cloches.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt or scorch; flowering may be reduced; growth can become leggy.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, which can reduce blooms.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSolidago rugosa is not considered toxic to cats. It does not produce any known harmful effects when ingested by felines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicSolidago rugosa is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion by canines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicSolidago rugosa, commonly known as rough goldenrod, is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested in typical amounts.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Solidago rugosa toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does Rough-stemmed Goldenrod attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How often should I water Solidago rugosa?
A: It is drought tolerant and requires minimal watering once established.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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