Solidago caesia, commonly known as Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod, is a native perennial found in open woodlands, forest edges, and shaded slopes throughout Illinois. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial to medium shade, making it one of the few goldenrod species well-suited to woodland environments.
This graceful plant features arching stems with a distinctive bluish or purplish hue—hence the name "blue-stemmed." Small, bright yellow flower clusters bloom in the leaf axils along the upper portion of the stem from late summer into early fall. The plant typically grows 1.5 to 3 feet tall, forming loose clumps that blend beautifully into shaded native plantings.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Solidago caesia is an excellent choice for shade gardens, woodland restorations, and pollinator-friendly understory plantings. It provides critical late-season nectar for bees, butterflies, and other insects, and its more restrained growth habit makes it easier to manage than some sun-loving goldenrods. Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod adds subtle color and ecological value to shaded native landscapes.
Solidago caesia, commonly known as Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod, is a native perennial found in open woodlands, forest edges, and shaded slopes throughout Illinois. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial to medium shade, making it one of the few goldenrod species well-suited to woodland environments.
This graceful plant features arching stems with a distinctive bluish or purplish hue—hence the name "blue-stemmed." Small, bright yellow flower clusters bloom in the leaf axils along the upper portion of the stem from late summer into early fall. The plant typically grows 1.5 to 3 feet tall, forming loose clumps that blend beautifully into shaded native plantings.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Solidago caesia is an excellent choice for shade gardens, woodland restorations, and pollinator-friendly understory plantings. It provides critical late-season nectar for bees, butterflies, and other insects, and its more restrained growth habit makes it easier to manage than some sun-loving goldenrods. Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod adds subtle color and ecological value to shaded native landscapes.
Bloom: late summer to fall
Habitats: bluffs; rocky cliffs in shaded or partially shaded areas; upland slopes of ravines; upland woodlands; woodland openings
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: mesic to dry-mesic
Plant type (height): forb (1.5 to 3 feet)
Requirements: partial sun to medium shade
Soil: clay-loam; loam; some rocky material
