Solidago Decurrens

Description

Solidago decurrens is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is commonly known as the creeping goldenrod, and it is native to western North America, including British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, and Montana. The plant can grow up to 60 cm tall and 30 cm wide, and it has a creeping habit. It produces yellow flowers in late summer and early fall, which attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Solidago decurrens has a creeping habit, and it can spread through runners that grow along the ground. The stems are usually green, and they can be slightly hairy or smooth. The leaves are lance-shaped, serrated, and they can be up to 10 cm long. The plant produces small yellow flowers that are clustered in spikes at the top of the stems. The flowers have a distinctive fragrance that attracts pollinators. The plant blooms from August to October, and the flowers are followed by small seeds that are dispersed by the wind.

Care Guide

Solidago decurrens is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for growing and caring for this plant:

• Water: The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive with little water. However, it will benefit from occasional watering during dry periods.
• Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization, but you can add some compost or organic matter to the soil to improve its fertility.
• Soil: The plant can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it prefers well-drained soils.
• Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
• Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Solidago decurrens is generally free from pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by some common pests and diseases, including:

• Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves and stems, causing them to wilt and turn yellow. You can control aphids by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or using insecticidal soap.
• Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. You can prevent powdery mildew by ensuring good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering.

Habitat

Solidago decurrens is native to western North America, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands. The plant can tolerate a range of soil types and moisture levels, and it can grow in both sunny and partially shaded areas. It is a valuable plant for pollinators, and it provides food and habitat for wildlife.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Solidago decurrens toxic?

A: No, Solidago decurrens is not toxic to humans or animals.

Q: Can Solidago decurrens be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Solidago decurrens can be grown in containers, provided that the container is large enough and has good drainage.

Q: How do I propagate Solidago decurrens?

A: You can propagate Solidago decurrens by division or by taking stem cuttings in late spring or early summer.

Q: How often should I prune Solidago decurrens?

A: Solidago decurrens does not require pruning, but you can cut back the stems after flowering to encourage bushier growth.

Related Plants

• Solidago altissima
• Solidago canadensis
• Solidago gigantea
• Solidago nemoralis

References

• USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Solidago decurrens Torr. & A. Gray ex A. Gray. Retrieved April 10, 2021, from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=SODE3
• Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Solidago decurrens. Retrieved April 10, 2021, from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281922
• Washington Native Plant Society. (n.d.). Solidago decurrens. Retrieved April 10, 2021, from https://www.wnps.org/plants/solidago-decurrens.html