(Solidago fistulosa)
Pine-barren Goldenrod

Pine-Barren Goldenrod (Solidago fistulosa)

Alternative Names

Hairy Pinewoods Goldenrod

Description of Pine-Barren Goldenrod (Solidago fistulosa)

Pine-Barren Goldenrod (Solidago fistulosa), a member of the Asteraceae (Aster Family), is a herbaceous perennial that grows 1.5 to 6 feet tall and has yellow flowers that bloom in the summer and fall from July to November. In some areas it can flower year round. The alternate, simple leaves are oblanceolate to lanceolate in shape and have serrate margins. The lower leaves have winged petioles and the upper leaves are generally sessile. The stems are hairy. This plant grows in zones 5-11 and likes open areas with full sun to partial shade.  More about this species can be on this blog post.

Hosted Species

Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata)

Nectar Species

Many butterflies, bees, wasps, flies, ants, and beetles use this plant as a nectar source, especially bees and wasps.  Birds, such as the Eastern Goldfinch, eat the seeds, and some mammals eat the stems and leaves.  Goldenrods in general are one of the most important nectar plants in the fall.

Habitat

This goldenrod grows in moist open areas such as marsh edges, thickets, roadsides, fields, swamps, bogs, and open pine woodlands.  This plant is adapted to the fire ecology found in the coastal plains of the Southeastern United States.

Range of Pine-Barren Goldenrod (Solidago fistulosa) in the United States and Canada

Interesting Facts

The genus name, Solidago, comes from the Latin for Solidus and ago and refers to the medicinal healing properties.  The stems contain a latex that can be used as a rubber substitute (Coastal Plain Plants Wiki).  This species is considered to be Florida’s most common goldenrod (Florida Wildflowers).