Solidago hispida aka Hairy Goldenrod

Solidago hispida, or hairy goldenrod, belongs to the daisy family, Asteraceae. This herbaceous perennial is native from Canada into the United States. It grows in temperate regions and is native to Missouri. There, it lives in dry, rocky woods in the Ozarks. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Its name points to the clear hairs on its stems and leaves.

Plants grow upright, reaching about 1–3 feet [0.3–0.91 metres] tall. Their spread is about 1 foot [0.3 metres]. Slender stems give the plant a narrow, upright shape. Leaves at the base and low on the stems are largest. These can reach 8 inches long. Their shapes range from spoon-like to oval, with some widest near the tip. Upper leaves are much smaller. The plant forms clumps rather than spreading with the force of some other goldenrods.

Small, bright yellow flower heads appear from July to September. Each head looks like a tiny daisy with 7–14 rays. The heads form upright panicles near the upper leaf axils. They bring colour from midsummer into early autumn. Butterflies visit the blooms. The flowers provide the plant's main show in a garden. Its slim stems and yellow heads suit borders and native plant gardens. It also fits rock gardens and open woodland gardens.

Grow hairy goldenrod in full sun for the best results. It accepts light shade, though sun suits it better. Use soil that drains well, with dry to medium moisture. Poor, dry ground need not rule out this species. It tolerates drought and clay soil. Across much of its eastern and midwestern range, it grows on lime-rich ground. Missouri plants also grow in acid soils. This shows that it accepts more than one soil reaction. Its listed hardiness range is USDA zones 3–8.

This is an easy plant to grow with low upkeep needs. Its clump-forming habit makes it less aggressive than some goldenrod relatives. That trait helps where gardeners want a more contained planting. Deer resistance adds to its value in exposed garden sites. Serious insect and disease troubles are not reported in the supplied garden account. Rust may occur, but it is an uncommon problem.