Origin
Solidago altissima L. var. canescens (Gray) M.C. Johnston, commonly known as the gray goldenrod, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to most of North America, from southern Canada down to Texas and the Gulf of Mexico.
Common Names
The gray goldenrod goes by various common names, including gray-stemmed goldenrod, tall goldenrod, and silverrod. The plant gets its common name 'goldenrod' from its bright yellow flowers, while the name 'gray' refers to the color of its stems and leaves.
Uses
The gray goldenrod has various medicinal uses. The plant was traditionally used by Native American tribes to treat wounds, fevers, and kidney problems. The dried leaves and flowers of the plant can be made into a tea that is believed to have anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.
Aside from its medicinal uses, gray goldenrod is also an important ecological plant that serves as a food source for many species of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and moths. Its seeds also provide food for birds and small mammals.
General Appearance
The gray goldenrod typically grows between 3-6 feet tall and has a spreading, upright habit. The plant's leaves are long and lance-shaped and have a gray-green color. The stems of the plant are also gray in color. The flowers are densely clustered at the tips of the stems and are bright yellow in color. The plant blooms from late summer to early fall, providing a vibrant source of color in the garden or natural setting.
Light Requirements
Solidago altissima L. var. canescens (Gray) M.C. Johnston is a plant that requires full sunlight to grow well. It does not tolerate shade, and any shading will reduce its growth and flowering potential. For optimal growth, the plant should be exposed to at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter and nutrients. It grows best in soils that are slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 to 7.5). The soil must also be able to hold water well as the plant does not tolerate drought. If the soil is too sandy or clayey, the plant struggles to establish, grow and develop good quality roots.
Temperature Requirements
Solidago altissima L. var. canescens (Gray) M.C. Johnston grows well in a wide range of temperatures. It tolerates temperatures that range between 1°C and 38°C, but it grows optimally in temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. The plants require cold stratification or exposure to cooler temperatures for better germination.
Cultivation Method
Solidago altissima L. var. canescens (Gray) M.C. Johnston is best grown in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It is best to start the seed indoors and transplant it later or sow the seeds directly in the garden in early spring.
Watering Needs
Solidago altissima L. var. canescens (Gray) M.C. Johnston does not require a lot of watering and is even drought-tolerant once established. However, during the first growing season, it is essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during extended periods of drought, to ensure that the roots receive adequate moisture.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and flowering, it is advisable to apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, in the spring. Alternatively, you can amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients. During the growing season, avoid over-fertilization, as this may encourage leafy growth instead of flowers.
Pruning
Pruning your Solidago altissima L. var. canescens (Gray) M.C. Johnston plant is not necessary. However, you may wish to remove dead or damaged foliage and stems in the spring to encourage new growth. Additionally, cutting back the plant by one-third in late summer can promote bushier growth and more flowers. Remove spent blooms throughout the growing season to encourage additional blooming.
Propagation of Solidago Altissima L. Var. Canescens (Gray) M.C. Johnston
Propagation of Solidago altissima L. var. canescens can be done by different methods including seeds, division, and stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Solidago altissima L. var. canescens can be collected from the plant during the fall season after the petals have fallen off. The seeds can be stored in a dry and cool place until they are ready for sowing in the late winter or early spring. The soil should be prepared and the seeds can be sown thinly on the surface and covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate which usually occurs within 2 to 4 weeks.
Division Propagation
The plant can be propagated by division in the spring or fall. The clumps of the plant can be carefully dug up and separated into smaller sections with roots and shoots attached. These smaller sections can then be planted in the desired location after the soil is prepared. The soil should be kept moist until the plants are well established.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Propagation of Solidago altissima L. var. canescens can also be done by stem cuttings taken in the late spring or early summer. The stem cuttings should be taken from the plant and trimmed to a length of 3-4 inches with several leaves. The lower leaves should be removed and the stems can be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a propagation tray filled with moist soil. The tray should be covered with plastic to retain moisture and kept in a shaded area until the cuttings develop roots. Once the roots have developed, the new plants can be transplanted in the desired location.
Disease and Pest Management for Solidago altissima L. var. canescens (Gray) M.C. Johnston
Solidago altissima L. var. canescens, commonly known as tall goldenrod, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a popular ornamental plant that is grown for its yellow flowers that bloom from summer to fall. However, like other plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Proper disease and pest management practices can help protect the plant from these threats and ensure its healthy growth and development.
Common Diseases
1. Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. It appears as small, yellow-orange pustules on the undersides of the leaves, which later turn brown or black. Rust can cause defoliation and weaken the plant, making it susceptible to other diseases and pests. To manage rust, remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides as needed.
2. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery growth on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can cause leaf curling and distortion, stunt growth, and reduce yield. The disease thrives in humid conditions, so it is important to ensure proper air circulation around the plants. Remove and destroy infected plant parts, and apply fungicides as needed to manage powdery mildew.
3. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that appears as circular, brown spots on the leaves of the plant. The spots may have a yellow halo around them, and the affected leaves may fall prematurely. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides as needed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. They can cause curling and distortion of the leaves, stunt growth, and reduce yield. To manage aphids, remove them manually or spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. You can also introduce natural predators like lady beetles and lacewings to control aphids.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing yellowing, stippling, and defoliation. They thrive in hot, dry conditions, so it is important to ensure proper moisture levels around the plant. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and introduce natural predators like predatory mites and lady beetles.
3. Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, winged insects that suck sap from the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing, stunting, and defoliation. They excrete a sticky substance called honeydew that attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold. To manage whiteflies, remove and destroy infected plant parts, introduce natural predators like lady beetles and parasitic wasps, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed.
