Summary
Solidago rigida subsp. glabrata, sometimes classified as Solidago jacksonii (Flora of the Southeastern United States, 2025), is a little-known species from the southeastern United States where it can be found in dry sunny habitats. Southeastern bold goldenrod has graced Mt. Cuba Center’s meadow garden for more than 20 years but is still an obscure plant in the garden world. Robust glabrous stems and foliage, later bloom time, and significantly more open and airy flower heads differentiate southeastern bold goldenrod from its more familiar and primarily midwestern counterpart Solidago rigida subsp. rigida. Lace bugs were commonly seen in the goldenrod trial, and while they affected the foliage and likely the overall health of S. rigida subsp. rigida, the adjacent plantings of S. rigida subsp. glabrata remained virtually untouched for the duration of the trial. While this species performed admirably in the average garden conditions of the Trial Garden, it is likely tolerant and perhaps more suited to drier settings including rock and gravel gardens.
Details
- Rating
4.1 (Top Performer) - Common Name
southeastern bold goldenrod