James H. Schutte
Family
Asteraceae
Botanical Name
Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks'
Plant Common Name
Fireworks Goldenrod, Rough-stemmed Goldenrod, Wrinkleleaf Goldenrod
General Description
Festive strands of golden flowers are produced by 'Fireworks' in early- to mid-fall. The arching blooms indeed resemble the starbursts of exploded fireworks. They perch atop erect, leafy, waist-high stems on plants that don't spread too aggressively via rhizomes. This cultivar was selected by Ken Moore of the North Carolina Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill from Solidago rugosa specimens collected from the coastal plains of North Carolina. Since its introduction in 1993, 'Fireworks' has become a landscape standard for its surprising hardiness, remarkable vigor and reliable late-season beauty.
Early autumn is when wrinkleleaf goldenrod really shines. This tall herbaceous perennial wildflower produces golden-yellow flowers on arching, slightly hairy stems. It is a common sight in the moist meadows, roadsides and woodland edges of the eastern United States, from Quebec, Canada down to Texas. Natural populations even exist in northern Florida.
Like all goldenrods, this species maintains an unassuming appearance until it bursts into flower in fall. It forms upright clumps and has long, strong stems lined with lance-shaped, somewhat wrinkly and hairy green leaves. Terminal branches become covered with minute golden daisies at bloom time. Butterflies frequent the golden strands of blossoms as do many bee species and other beneficial insects. Small fluffy white seeds are produced by early winter. These gently self-sow.
Rough-stemmed goldenrod grows best in slightly acid soil that is well-drained but evenly moist. It is most prolific in sunny spots but will also grow and bloom moderately well under the scattered, open branches of tall trees. This showy wildflower does not spread too aggressively by rhizomes, so it's a good choice for homes gardens as well as natural areas. Select cultivars, like the effervescent 'Fireworks', are most desirable. It grows beautifully along streamsides or pond edges where moisture is plentiful. Wrinkleleaf goldenrod looks lovely when teamed with native ornamental grasses and shrubs with colorful fall fruits, like beautyberries and deciduous hollies.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 4
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 9
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Sunset Zone
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
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Width
2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m
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Bloom Time
Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
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Native To
Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, Central United States, Canada
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Fall
