Solidago speciosa, commonly known as Showy Goldenrod, is a native perennial found in prairies, savannas, and open woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade, tolerating dry to moderately moist conditions.
This striking plant features upright, unbranched stems with narrow, lance-shaped leaves and produces dense, plume-like clusters of bright yellow flowers at the top of each stem from late summer into fall. The plant typically grows up to 4 feet tall and does not spread aggressively like some other goldenrod species, making it well-suited for gardens.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Solidago speciosa is an excellent choice for prairie gardens, pollinator plantings, and naturalized landscapes. It provides vital late-season nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, while its tidy growth habit and vibrant color add ornamental appeal to fall displays.
Solidago speciosa, commonly known as Showy Goldenrod, is a native perennial found in prairies, savannas, and open woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade, tolerating dry to moderately moist conditions.
This striking plant features upright, unbranched stems with narrow, lance-shaped leaves and produces dense, plume-like clusters of bright yellow flowers at the top of each stem from late summer into fall. The plant typically grows up to 4 feet tall and does not spread aggressively like some other goldenrod species, making it well-suited for gardens.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Solidago speciosa is an excellent choice for prairie gardens, pollinator plantings, and naturalized landscapes. It provides vital late-season nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, while its tidy growth habit and vibrant color add ornamental appeal to fall displays.
Bloom: late summer to early fall
Habitats: abandoned fields; Black Oak savannas; mesic to slightly dry black soil prairies; openings in rocky upland forests; sand prairies; thickets; woodland borders
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: slightly moist to slightly dry
Plant type (height): forb (up to 4 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: loam; rocky material; sand
