Table of Contents for Smooth Elm-leaf Goldenrod (Solidago delicatula)
Smooth-Elm Leaf Goldenrod (Solidago delicatula) is a herbaceous perennial that is native to the mid-western and south-central United States. This species is a host to the northern checkerspot (Chlosyne palla) and several moths. Growing from 1.25 feet to 4 feet tall, this species grows along stream banks and marshes. The yellow flowers bloom from August to October and the plant is hardy in zones 4-10.
Taxonomy and Naming of Smooth Elm-leaf Goldenrod (Solidago delicatula)
Taxonomy
Smooth Elm-leaf Goldenrod (Solidago delicatula) was named and described by Asa Gray, an American botanist, in 1882 as Solidago ulmifolia var. microphylla. However, in 1898, it was upgraded to a species as Solidago delicatula, by John Kunkel Small. 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, delicatula, is Latin for luxurious or pretty.
Common Name and Alternative Names
The common name of this species likely comes from the resemblance of the leaves to those of elm. Another common name is the thin-leaf goldenrod (iNaturalist).
Physical Description
- Plant Type: This plant is a herbaceous perennial.
- Height: 1.25 ft (0.4 m) to 4 ft (1.2 m)
- Stem: The stems are erect and branching and and glabrous (Flora of North America).
- Leaves: The leaves are alternate, with basal and cauline leaves, linear-elliptic to oblanceolate, and have serrate margins. They are 1.0 in (3.0 cm) to 3.0 in (7.0 cm) long and 0.3 in (0.7 cm) to 0.8 in (2.0 cm) wide (Flora of North America).
- Flower color: yellow
- Blooming period: This plant blooms from August to October.
- Fruiting type and period: This plant has achenes that mature in the late fall and winter.
Range of Smooth Elm-leaf Goldenrod in the United States and Canada
This goldenrod species is native to mid-western and south-central United States and is common throughout its range.
Habitat
This species grows in dry open woods and bottomlands.
Hosted Insects
This goldenrod, like a lot of other goldenrods, is a host to the wavy-lined emerald (Synchlora aerata). In the eastern part of its range this species may be a host to the Baltimore checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton).
Other Supported Wildlife
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this plant have any ethnobotanical uses?
The Native American Ethobotanical Database does not specifically this species, but Solidago in general has been used for colds, pain, heart medicine, and for stomach ailments.
How is this plant distinguished from other Goldenrods?
As the previous name would suggest, this species is similar to the elm-leaf goldenrod (Solidago ulmifolia). However, the elm-leaf goldenrod has hirsute leaves on the underside (Weakley and Southeastern Flora Team 2024).
Is this plant invasive?
This species has not been noted as being weedy.
Gardening with Smooth Elm-leaf Goldenrod
Hardiness
This species is hardy in zones 4-10. 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 requires full sun to part-shade and dry to moist well-drained soils.
References
- Weakley, A.S. and the Southeastern Flora Team. 2024. Flora of the southeastern United States Web App. University of North Carolina Herbarium, North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, USA. Flora Link. Accessed May 28, 2024.
