A Comprehensive Guide to Roan Mountain Goldenrod (Solidago roanensis)

Taxonomy

Roan Mountain Goldenrod (Solidago roanensis) was originally named and described by John Torry and Asa Gray as Solidago curtisii var. monticola in 1842. Later in 1892, Thomas Porter, another American botanist, raised to the species level and gave its current name. It has kept this same name since and is a member of the Aster Family (Asteraceae).

Meaning of the Scientific and Common Names

Scientific Name

The genus name, Solidago, derives from the Latin words, Solidus and ago, which together mean to make (ago) whole (Solidus). This meaning comes from the medicinal uses of the plant. The species name, roanensis, is a Latinized name for Roan Mountain, a location of the plant.

Common Name and Alternative Names

The common name comes from the original description location of the plant.

• Plant Type: This plant is a herbaceous perennial.
• Height: 0.5 ft (0.2 m) to 4 ft (1.5 m)
• Stem: The stems are erect, and glabrous below to pubescent above (Flora of North America).
• Leaves: The leaves are alternate, with basal and cauline leaves, elliptic to elliptic-ovate to rhombic, upper cauline sessile, and serrate margins. They are 2 in (5 cm) to 6 in (15 cm) long and 0.4 in (1 cm) to 2 in (5 cm) wide.
• Flower color: yellow
• Blooming period: This plant blooms from July to October.
• Fruiting type and period: This plant has achenes that mature in the late fall and winter.

This goldenrod species is native to the eastern United States. It is considered to be rare in the states of Kentucky, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

This species grows in wooded areas, clearings, bald edges, and crevices in rocks (Flora of North America), xeric sites (Krings and Franklin 2004).

This goldenrod, like a lot of other goldenrods, is a host to the wavy-lined emerald (Synchlora aerata). The genus in general is a host to the Baltimore Checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton) and black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes).

This species is a nectar source to other butterflies, skippers, bees, and wasps during the growing season. It is especially important since it provides a nectar source in the late season.

Hardiness

This species is hardy in zones 6-8. If your garden is within these zones and you have the right growing conditions (soil, moisture and exposure), you may well be able to grow this plant. However, if planted outside of its range, the hosted species may not recognize the plant or be harmed by ingesting a different species with an unfamiliar chemical composition.

Optimal Conditions

This species enjoys full sun to part-shade in medium to dry well-drained soils.