Common names include Wand Goldenrod, Wand-like Goldenrod, and Willowleaf Goldenrod.
Solidago stricta has small, erect, bract-like leaves pressed upward against the stem, which give this goldenrod a wand-like appearance. It is native to sandy pine barrens and wet coastal plain areas from Delaware to Texas. Also native to Mexico and Guatemala. Basal leaves are lance-shaped (to 8” long). Narrow, erect, plume-like clusters (to 10” long) of yellow, daisy-like flowers bloom in August-October atop stems rising to 3-6’ tall. Goldenrods are attractive to bees and butterflies. Goldenrods have been wrongfully accused of causing hay fever which is actually an allergic reaction to wind-borne pollen from other plants such as ragweed.
Easily grown in average, medium moisture to wet, well-drained soils in full sun. May self-seed in the garden. This is a rhizomatous, spreading plant.
Height: 3′-6′ Spread: 2′-4′ Bloom: August-October Light: Full Sun Water: Medium-High Zone: 7-10 Origin: Texas, Eastern U.S.
