Solidago bicolor is a distinctive goldenrod species with pale yellow to cream colored flower clusters borne on upright stems. It is one of the earliest goldenrods to bloom and is easily distinguished by its bicolored stems and flowers. The blooms are dense and spike like adding soft texture and vertical structure to naturalistic plantings.
Height & Spread: 18 - 30 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun to part sun
Soil Preference: Dry to average, well drained soils
Watering Needs: Low; highly drought tolerant
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This species is native to eastern North America and grows in dry, open woods, rocky outcrops, and sandy soils.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts adult butterflies such as Monarchs, Clouded Sulphur, and Eastern Comma for late season nectar.
Bees
- Visited by a wide range of pollinators including sweat bees, bumblebees, long horned bees, and leafcutter bees.
Moths
- Supports specialist moths such as Goldenrod Hooded Owlet and Brown Hooded Owlet which feed on its foliage.
Birds
- Goldfinches, sparrows, and other seed eating songbirds consume seeds in fall and use dried stems for perches and cover.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to allow air circulation and encourage upright growth without crowding.
Landscape Placement
- Effective in meadows, pollinator gardens, open woodland borders, and dry slopes. Offers long season structure and supports late season insect activity.
Companion Plants
- Liatris spicata (Blazing Star) - Shares habitat and bloom time, offering upright purple spikes that contrast with Solidago’s pale yellow.
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Adds fine textured grass structure and fall color in dry conditions.
- Pycnanthemum tenuifolium (Narrowleaf Mountain Mint) - Offers extended bloom, pollinator value, and aromatic silver green foliage.
- Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (Calico Aster) - Complements goldenrod with airy white flowers and thrives in similar soils.
- Coreopsis verticillata (Threadleaf Coreopsis) - Provides finely cut foliage and golden yellow blooms earlier in the season.