Solidago caesia is a woodland goldenrod species with arching slender stems that bear small yellow flower clusters along the leaf axils. Unlike many goldenrods, it thrives in shady environments and maintains a tidy clumping habit without aggressive spread. Its smooth dark stems give it the common name “wreath goldenrod” and contrast nicely with its bright blooms.
Height & Spread: 18 - 24 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Rich, moist to average woodland soils
Watering Needs: Moderate; tolerates dry shade once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This species is native to eastern North America and is commonly found in woodlands, forest edges, and shaded thickets.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Supports species such as Monarch, Gray Hairstreak, and Eastern Tailed Blue with late season nectar.
Bees
- Visited by bumblebees, sweat bees, and metallic green bees, especially in forest edge habitats.
Moths
- Host to caterpillars of moths such as Goldenrod Borer Moth and Asteroid Moth, which rely on its foliage.
Birds
- Provides seeds for goldfinches and native sparrows; dense growth offers shelter for ground foraging birds in shaded ecosystems.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 12 - 18 in apart in groupings or drifts for woodland edge cohesion and pollinator coverage.
Landscape Placement
- Excellent for shaded pollinator gardens, woodland paths, and naturalized understory plantings. Useful in designed native layers for softening edges and attracting insects under canopy cover.
Companion Plants
- Iris cristata (Dwarf Crested Iris) - Provides spring color and ground hugging growth under Solidago’s vertical stems.
- Carex plantaginea (Seersucker Sedge) - Adds bold leaf texture and year round interest in shaded conditions.
- Polygonatum biflorum (Solomon's Seal) - Offers graceful arching form and thrives in the same moist woodland settings.
- Heuchera americana (Coral Bells) - Adds rich foliage contrast and handles both shade and woodland moisture variations.
- Phlox divaricata (Woodland Phlox) - Complements Solidago with early spring bloom and a matching preference for dappled shade.