// SPECIES PROFILE · PERENNIAL · NATIVE

Showy Goldenrod

Solidago speciosa

Showy goldenrod is the best-behaved native goldenrod for prairies and gardens — upright 3–4 ft stems topped by dense, brilliantly yellow plumes in early fall. Clumping rather than aggressively spreading; superb late-season pollinator anchor.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: Asteraceae
Group: perennial
Native range: Central & eastern US incl. OK prairies
USDA hardiness: Zones 3–8
Mature size: 3–4 ft
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium · adaptable
Wildlife value: Critical fall pollinator nectar (300+ insect visitors documented)
Ecological role: compact native · upright golden plumes · clay-tolerant

Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa) — *Solidago speciosa*. Photo via Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons.

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Why it's on this list: compact native · upright golden plumes · clay-tolerant. Part of Rooted Revival's NE Oklahoma plant catalog — natives, ecologically positive non-invasive cultivars, and food crops worth growing in the Tulsa region.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In a tallgrass prairie or pollinator meadow, showy goldenrod pairs naturally with: american persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), american beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), maypop / passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), cowpea / black-eyed pea (Vigna unguiculata), and black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta).

Combine showy goldenrod with the warm-season grasses listed above for a self-sustaining matrix.

Showy Goldenrod

Field Notes

Companion Planting

Photo Reference