Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' - Fireworks goldenrod

Height: to 2 - 3'
Spread: 3’ +
Light Needs: full sun
Water: average
Flower color: yellow
Bloom time: September to October

This is a selection of a native wildflower that was found in the wild by the North Carolina Botanical Garden in the 1970's. It was chosen for its abundant flowers and compact habit. Its leaves are wrinkled and rough to the touch. Bright yellow flowers are produced in long spikes at the tops of the stems. Plants spread into compact colonies by rhizomes but are easy to control. Mt. Cuba Center named it the best goldenrod in their Delaware garden. Whether it is the best for South Carolina is debatable but it is certainly a good choice. It is suitable for use in the garden as an accent or as a tall groundcover. Goldenrods are attractive to a wide range of insect pollinators. This species is reported to be resistant to deer browsing.

It is worth noting that goldenrods do not cause hay fever. The lightweight, air-borne pollen grains of plants like ragweed cause hay fever. Goldenrod pollen is comparatively heavy and sticky. It is moved from flower to flower by insects.