goldenrod ‘Wichita Mountains’
Solidago ‘Wichita Mountains’ (goldenrod ‘Wichita Mountains’) grows to about 90 cm (3 ft) tall. In the Lurie Garden Dark Plate, it stands erect with dense clusters of small yellow flowers that resemble daisies. Blooming towards the end of summer and through fall, this plant provides nectar for bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
It is often incorrectly mistaken for the plant that causes allergies but because this plant is not wind pollinated it is highly unlikely to cause these allergies. Hardy to USDA Zones 4-8, Solidago needs full sun. Designers use goldenrod in mass plantings in borders, meadows and of course pollinator gardens.
Leaves of this goldenrod are about 10 cm (4 in) long and 2 cm (0.75 in) wide with a pointed tip. The edges are serrated and have parallel veins. The bottom of leaves are slightly hairy. The flowers are edible and are used in salads. Herbalists use the flowers and leaves to make tea. The leaves can be used in soups or stir fries. The beautiful flowers are tiny and hang off of the stiff stems while the leaves are alternately arranged along the stems.
| Botanical Name | Solidago ‘Wichita Mountains’ |
| Common Name | goldenrod ‘Wichita Mountains’ |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| USDA Zone | 4 thru 8 |
| Light Requirement | Full Sun |
| Season(s) of interest | summer, fall, winter |
| Height and Spread | 2-3ft x 1.5-2.5ft (60-90cm x 45-75cm) |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Attracts Wildlife | Hosts Caterpillars of Butterflies/Moths, Attracts Pollinators, Rarely Browsed by Mammalian Herbivores |
| Additional Information | Not Native to the US Midwest. Discovered Growing Naturally in the Wichita Mountains of Oklahoma |
| Location in Lurie Garden | North Dark Plate |
Average Flowering Time
