(Solidago rugosa)
Wrinkle-leaf Goldenrod

Wrinkle-leaf Goldenrod (Solidago rugosa)

Alternative Names

Rough-stemmed Goldenrod, wrinkled goldenrod, rough-leaf goldenrod, and rogh-goldenrod

Description of Wrinkle-leaf Goldenrod (Solidago rugosa)

Wrinkle-leaf Goldenrod (Solidago rugosa), a member of the Asteraceae (Aster Family), is a herbaceous perennial that grows 2 to 5 feet tall and has yellow flowers that bloom in the summer and fall from August to October. The alternate, simple leaves are lanceolate in shape and have crenate to serrate margins. This plant grows in zones 4-8 and likes open areas with full sun.

More about Wrinkle-leaf Goldenrod can be found on this blog post.

Hosted Species

Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata)

Nectar Species

Many butterflies, bees, flies, ants, and beetles use this plant as a nectar source.  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 open areas such as fields, meadows, and disturbed places with moist to mesic soil.

Range of Wrinkle-leaf Goldenrod (Solidago rugosa) 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 species name, rugosa, is Latin for wrinkled leaves.