Nevada Goldenrod
Solidago spectabilis
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Solidago spectabilis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Alkaline meadows or bogs to 2200 metres.
South-eastern N. America.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Seed. No more details are given.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The leaves and flowering stems are antiseptic. An infusion of the dried powdered herb can be used.
Antiseptic: Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.
Other
Rating: 1
Mustard, orange and brown dyes can be obtained from the whole plant.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
How it is grown
Succeeds in any moderately fertile moisture retentive soil in sun or semi-shade. Grows well in heavy clay soils. A rather greedy plant, it is apt to impoverish the soil. There is some confusion over the correct identity of this plant. It is a native of Western N. America and grows 50cm tall. It is a native of South-eastern N. America and grows 120cm tall. This species is a synonym of S. odora. It is quite possible that two species are involved, one of which is a synonym for S. odora. The plant attracts various beneficial insects such as ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies to the garden, these insects will help to control insect pests in the garden.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Only just cover the seed and do not allow the compost to become dry. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on for their first winter in pots. Plant them out into their permanent positions in spring or early summer. Division in spring or autumn. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist