Downy goldenrod gets its name from the fine, spreading hairs that cover its densely leaved stems. The orange-yellow blooms are an excellent source of late-season nectar and pollen for a multitude of pollinators. It's commonly found on open prairies and dry habitats such as rocky woods and sand barrens in eastern North America. It grows in full sun or part shade and adapts to a range of moisture conditions. It's capable of withstanding extended dry or wet spells. It's listed as endangered in Ohio, although it's possible that it occurs more frequently than records indicate (Ohiodnr.gov). Another common name is dusty goldenrod, and The Dusty Goldenrod Conservation project has preserved the only known location in Ohio where the endangered plant may be found growing wild.
It is a well-behaved species of goldenrod that spreads slowly to form dense clumps. Use massed or as a specimen plant, in meadow and rain gardens, or in naturalized areas.
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 2-3' tall and 1-2' wide.
Prefers full or part sun.
Prefers dry, average, or moist soils. Tolerant of occasional dry or wet spells.
Blooms from August to October or sometimes until first frost.
Wildlife Value:
Goldenrods act as host plants for more Lepidoptera than any other perennial in our area and for most of the US. In Ohio, 122 species of Lepidoptera larvae, including 13 specialists, feed on goldenrod. Other visitors include long- and short-tongue bees, honey bees, wasps, flies, beetles, and butterflies. Praying mantises frequent the flowers to prey on the abundant insects. Goldfinches and other songbirds eat the seeds in winter. Around 50 species of insect larvae feed on the stems of goldenrod species. The insect galls are pecked open and the larvae are eaten by foraging woodpeckers and chickadees. Resistant to rabbits and deer.
Resources:
Ladybird Johnson Wildlife Center
West Creek Conservancy
https://westcreek.org/project/dusty-goldenrod-preserve/
Native Plant Trust
https://plantfinder.nativeplanttrust.org/plant/Solidago-puberula
Izel Plants
https://www.izelplants.com/solidago-puberula-downy-goldenrod/
