Plant Data Sheet

Solidago Canadensis Var. Canadensis

var. Gilvocanescens

Species: Canada Goldenrod - Solidago Canadensis var. Gilvocanescens. Height: 2-5 feet(40-150 cm). Width: 3 feet (91 cm). (4)

Range: It is found in AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY. But the variety Gilvocanescens is only found in 17 states. (4)

Climate, elevation: Hardy to USDA Zone 3 (average minimum annual temperature -40ºF). (3)

Local occurrence: This species is native to 39 states, but in Washington state, is can be found in these Counties: Whatcom, Okanogan, Ferry, Stevens, Pend Orelle, Spokane, Whitman, Walla Walla, Grant, Chelan, Snohomish, King, Pierce, Thurston, Mason, Jefferson, Clallam, Yakima, Pacific, Lewis, Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, Clark, and Klickitat. (4)

Habitat preferences: Abandoned farmlands, infrequently grazed pastures, waste areas, and tallgrass prairies, also along roadsides and fence lines, in dry open fields, and in open woods or damp meadows that dry out every year. This is a perennial plant. (3)

Plant strategy type/successional stage: It is consider an invasive plant by Cornell University and Western Society of Weed Science in cooperation with Cooperative Extension Services, University of Wyoming. Fairly shade intolerant although it occurs in sparsely wooded areas and is sometimes dominant or codominant in disturbed forest understories. One of the first species to invade following disturbances or fire, it is eventually replaced by shrubs. Has an allelopathic effect on Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) seedlings and reduces germination of herbaceous species, including itself. (3,4)

Associated species: It is in the family of Asters (Asteraceae). (4)

May be collected as: Reproduces by seed and vegetatively by rhizomes. Therefore, it can be collected as seed or division. (3)

Collection restrictions or guidelines: If collected by division, it can only be collected after its first year of growth. Allow seed heads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds (1, 3)

Seed germination (needs dormancy breaking?): It needs stratification. (3)

Seed life (can be stored, short shelf-life, long shelf-life): N/A

Recommended seed storage conditions: N/A

Propagation recommendations: By seed in late winter to spring, but division is the most successful method (spring). (2, 3)

Soil or medium requirements: Tolerates wide range of soil fertility and texture conditions, but typically found in fairly moist soils. Not found on waterlogged sites and only rarely on very dry sites. It prefers dry areas. It requires full sun.(2, 3)

Installation form: Cultivars and species available by mail order from specialty suppliers or at local nurseries. Do not plant in busy areas, since bees love this plant. .(2, 3)

Recommended planting density: Spacing: 24-36 in. (60-90 cm) (1)

Care requirements after installed: Do not use fertilizer after installation. Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater (1, 2)

Normal rate of growth or spread; lifespan: It is an aggressive creeping plant. (2)

Sources cited

1. Dave’s Garden. Cited May 20, 2006. Available at http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/1154/index.html

2. Rainy Side Gardens in the Pacific North West. Plant Gallery and growing guide. Native plants (internet). Cited May 20, 2006. Available at http://www.rainyside.com/features/plant_gallery/nativeplants/Solidago_canadensis.html

3. Rook, J.S. Earl. Solidago Canadensis. Canada goldenrod. September 27, 2002. Cited May 20, 2006. Available at http://www.rook.org/earl/bwca/nature/herbs/solidagocan.html

4. USDA plants. Plant Data base. Cited May 20, 2006. Available at http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SOCA6&photoID=soca6_003_avp.tif

Data compiled by:

Mercedes Mijares.