Solidago rugosa

Common Name
Rough-stemmed goldenrod
Wrinkle-leaf goldenrod
Plant Form
Herbs
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
10.0
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8

Photographer: Izabella Farr
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: kenttrulsson
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Additional Info

A compact, cascading, clump-forming native with 2-5 foot stems that have radiating light yellow flowers at the tips. Flowers in September. Numerous tiny, toothed leaves have rough, wrinkled surface. A great addition for late season color and to lure the butterflies in. Also attractive to birds, native and honey bees. It is found in moist sites as  sandy swamps, wet sandy prairies, sandy banks of marshes, acid gravelly seeps, sand dunes, and rocky bluffs. 

Note: Has been blamed for hay fever, but its irritating symptoms are actually caused by ragweed (Ambrosia species), whose pollen is airborne when the goldenrod is in flower.

Wildlife value: This plant supports Wavy-lined Emerald larvae. Flowers are attractive to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Songbirds eat the seeds. Members of the genus Solidago support specialized bees. Plant NOVA Natives lists this species as particularly popular with the non-native honeybees and recommends Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’ as a container plant
 

Flower Color
Gold/Yellow
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Bloom Time
Late Summer
Fall
Bloom Month
August
September
October
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Soil Texture
Loamy
Sandy
Shallow rocky
Low Maintenance
Yes
Deer Resitant
Yes
Seed or Fruit eaten by wildlife?
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Top 30 for Butterfly and Moth Caterpillars?
Yes
Number of Lepidotera Species Genus Supports
115
Top 30 for Pollen Specialist Bees?
Yes
Number of Pollen Specialist Bees that Rely on this Genus
42
Tolerates
Earth Sangha Inventory

Founded in 1997, the Earth Sangha is a nonprofit public charity based in the Washington, DC, region. The Wild Plant Nursery is the most comprehensive source of local-ecotype, native plants in the Washington DC region, and the region’s only facility dedicated exclusively to this type of propagation. “Local-ecotype” plants are propagated from local, wild, naturally-occurring populations and are well-adapted to local conditions and for wildlife species that depend on the local forms, such as pollinators. Inventory is updated on a weekly basis so number may not be accurate.

Pots Available Plugs Available Location Notes
298 0 Row 3 View My Wishlist
Beloved Brook's Ruckersville Nursery Inventory

Nursery is open by appointment only. Email them to set up a time. This plant list if from the begging of the 2025 season and may be outdated. If there is something specific that you’re looking for, they recommend you confirm that they have it when you schedule an appointment

Pots Available Plugs Available Pot size:
Yes Yes

Quart

View My Wishlist
Bona Terra Nursery

Small family-run native plant nursery with a focus on the local genetics necessary to restore diversity in the Chesapeake eco-region. Offers free remote design service for small gardens up to 400 square feet. Orders are placed via email and items can be picked up at their NW DC office or delivered for a fee. This plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date

Pots Available Pot Size Notes Add to Wishlist
23 Quart View My Wishlist
0 1 Gallon View My Wishlist
Carries Seeds (may not be available)