When you garden with ecology in mind, choosing plants becomes less about you and more about the local birds, mammals, and invertebrates that could benefit from your latest addition. Learn more about ‘Fireworks’ wrinkle-leaved goldenrod, one of Melissa Starkey’s favorite underappreciated native plants.
Watch: Super Cool Plants Podcast | Underappreciated Native Plants
‘Fireworks’ wrinkle-leaved goldenrod
- Name: Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’
- Zones: 4–8
- Size: 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
- Conditions: Full sun; moist to average, well-drained soil
- Native range: Central and eastern North America
We’re moving into fall for this next pick. Goldenrods are amazing plants in general, even though they get a bad rap. People sometimes associate them with allergies, but they are confusing goldenrod with ragweed (Ambrosia spp.). Not all goldenrods are too aggressive. They are host plants for over 120 different moth and butterfly caterpillars, and the seeds feed birds and other animals.
A gateway to goldenrods
If I had to pick just one to highlight, ‘Fireworks’ wrinkle-leaved goldenrod would be my gateway plant to goldenrods. Anyone can use it in their garden, including in formal settings and in containers. ‘Fireworks’ is an appropriate name for this cultivar, as spires of bright yellow flowers explode in early to mid-autumn. It has a compact, clumping habit. This goldenrod can spread a little bit in moist soil, but it is not difficult to control, and it will stay put if you site it in a drier area. It likes full sun, but I have it in partial shade and it still looks lovely.
Learn more from Melissa about this plant on Fine Gardening’s podcast, Super Cool Plants, or watch the episode on our YouTube channel!
Melissa Starkey is the marketing and communications manager and an instructor at Mt. Cuba Center, a botanical garden in Hockessin, Delaware.
Goldenrod photo courtesy of Deborah Gruca.
See More:
Best Native Plants for Your Region
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