Solidago rugosa

Solidago rugosa, also known as Rough Goldenrod, is a widespread botanical species in North America, and looks very different from horticultural goldenrods. It grows in dense clumps, supported by arched, airy stems and adds a charming touch to late summer, when its large weeping clusters of flowers burst from its foliage, falling like golden rain. Adapted to all types of soils, robust and floriferous from late summer to autumn, this very beautiful perennial will find a place in all gardens, in full sun or light shade.

Solidago rugosa is a tall deciduous herbaceous perennial with long creeping rhizomes, belonging to the aster family. It is native to North America, widespread in the eastern and central parts of Canada, and eastern and central United States. It is very similar to Solidago canadensis, but differs by its 3-veined leaves. It can be found in a variety of habitats, but never in shade. It is considered a pioneer plant, colonising disturbed areas such as those affected by fires, except in very dry or waterlogged soils. This plant will reach 70 cm (28in) to 1.20 m (4ft) high or more when in flower and at least 60 cm (24in) wide, forming a dense, flexible clump, of 10 to 50 leafy stems. Flowering takes place from August to October, depending on the climate, in the form of large, pure yellow, feathery panicles, with tiny daisy-like flower heads arranged in branched and feathery spikes. They appear at the top of robust and hairy stems bearing opposite, rough, light green leaves, slightly toothed at the edges. This goldenrod disappears in late autumn and reappears in spring.

Thes perennial plants are appreciated for their late flowering, some botanical species such as Solidago rugosa deserve a place in ornamental gardens, when they take up minimal space. They are robust plants that only dislike excessive heat and drought, which can cause powdery mildew on the foliage. Their yellow flowers are particularly warm and welcome in autumn beds and in front of shrubs with vibrant colours (deciduous Euonymus, Persian Ironwood, smokebush, oakleaf hydrangea...). Solidago rugosa can be planted individually or in groups of three, near blue asters (Aster lævis Calliope) or purple ones (Aster turbinellus), cosmos, Crambe cordifolia, or the lesser-known Kalimeris mongolica. Its flowers hold up well in bouquets, and can also be dried before fully blooming to be integrated into dried arrangements.