Description of Solidago altissima L. var. procera (Ait.) Fern.
Solidago altissima L. var. procera (Ait.) Fern., commonly known as tall goldenrod, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to eastern and central North America and can be found throughout most of the United States and Canada.
General Appearance
The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall, with alternate, lanceolate, and serrated leaves that measure up to 6 inches long and 1 inch wide. Its stem is smooth and green with a few hairs and can range from 1-2 inches in diameter. The flowers are small, yellow, and clustered in dense, narrow panicles that can measure up to 16 inches long and 2.5 inches wide. The flowering period occurs from August to October.
Common Names
Aside from tall goldenrod, Solidago altissima L. var. procera (Ait.) Fern. is also known by other common names, including giant goldenrod, late goldenrod, and American goldenrod.
Uses
Tall goldenrod has a variety of uses in traditional and modern medicine. It has anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties and is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, kidney stones, and gastrointestinal disorders. In addition, its leaves and flowers can be made into a tea or tincture and used as an expectorant to relieve respiratory congestion. Its nectar also attracts honeybees, and its seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.
Light Requirements
Solidago altissima L. var. procera (Ait.) Fern. is a plant species that requires full sun to partial shade. The plant can tolerate shade, but its growth rate and quality will be reduced compared to when grown in full sun conditions. Therefore, it is best to plant Solidago altissima L. var. procera in an open area free from nearby trees or other obstructions that can block sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Solidago altissima L. var. procera is between 18°C and 30°C. The plant can tolerate colder temperatures of up to -20°C in winter and hot temperatures of up to 40°C in summer. However, extremely hot or cold temperatures can affect the plant's growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Solidago altissima L. var. procera grows best in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range between 4.5 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand soils. However, it thrives in soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can also tolerate dry conditions once it is mature enough.
Cultivation of Solidago Altissima L. Var. Procera (Ait.) Fern.
Solidago altissima L. var. procera (Ait.) Fern. is a perennial plant that thrives in zones four to nine in full sun or partial shade. The plant requires fertile, moist but well-drained soil that is rich in humus. It prefers soil pH ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
Watering Needs for Solidago Altissima L. Var. Procera (Ait.) Fern.
The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, especially during its early growth stages. During the hot and dry season, frequent watering is necessary to ensure that the plant maintains its lush green leaves.
Fertilization of Solidago Altissima L. Var. Procera (Ait.) Fern.
It is advisable to fertilize the plant twice a year: in spring and late summer, using a balanced slow-release fertilizer. The fertilization process should involve applying the fertilizer around the base of the plant, then covering it with half an inch of mulch.
Pruning Solidago Altissima L. Var. Procera (Ait.) Fern.
The plant requires pruning to keep it healthy and visually appealing. Prune the plant in early spring by cutting back the stalks by at least two-thirds of their height. Additionally, pruning any yellowing or dead leaves and flowers enhances the plant's health, encourages continuous flowering and prevents the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Solidago altissima L. var. procera (Ait.) Fern.
Solidago altissima L. var. procera (Ait.) Fern., commonly known as tall goldenrod, is a native herbaceous perennial plant found in North America. It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens due to its attractive yellow flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. Propagation of Solidago altissima can be done through various methods such as seeds, rhizomes, stem cuttings, and division.
Propagation through seeds
The propagation of Solidago altissima through seeds is an easy and efficient method. Seeds can be collected from the matured flowers when the seedheads change their color from green to brown. The collected seeds can be kept in a cool and dry place until the next growing season. In the spring, sow the seeds on the surface of the moist soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep them in a warm and bright area, and the seeds will germinate in a few weeks.
Propagation through rhizomes
Solidago altissima grows from rhizomes that are present underground. The rhizomes are horizontal stems that produce roots and shoots from the nodes. To propagate through rhizomes, carefully dig up the plant and divide the rhizomes into sections with at least one shoot and a few roots. Replant the sections in the prepared bed with suitable growing conditions.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings involves taking cuttings from the parent plant's stem and rooting them to produce new plants. Cut 3-4 inches long stems from the parent plant and remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem. Dip the cut ends of the stems into rooting hormone powder to stimulate root growth and plant them in a moist growing medium. Place the cuttings in a warm and bright area and keep the soil moist. The cuttings will root within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation through division
Propagation by division is a useful method to increase plant numbers and maintain the plant's vigor. Divide the clumps of the plant from time to time to create new plants. Carefully dig out the clump and separate it into smaller sections with strong roots and shoots. Replant the divided sections in the prepared bed and maintain proper growing conditions.
Disease Management:
Common diseases that could affect Solidago altissima var. procera include:
- Rust: This fungal disease appears as yellow-orange pustules on the leaves and stem. Remove infected plant parts and dispose of them properly. Fungicides such as copper-based sprays can help prevent spread.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease appears as a white powdery coating on leaves and stems. Prune affected plant parts and apply fungicides such as neem oil or potassium bicarbonate as a preventative measure.
- Verticillium Wilt: This fungal disease leads to wilting, yellowing, and death of plant tissue. Remove diseased plant parts and avoid planting Solidago in contaminated soil. Fungicides may be useful, but prevention is key in managing this disease.
Pest Management:
Common pests that could affect Solidago altissima var. procera include:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can be spotted on leaves and stems and may cause leaf curling or yellowing. Prune affected parts and introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings to control aphids.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can be identified by their cylindrical, segmented bodies and voracious appetite. Handpick these pests off plants and use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) spray for a more widespread infestation.
- Spider Mites: These tiny spider-like pests can be difficult to detect but cause leaf discoloration and webbing. Use pesticides such as insecticidal soap or neem oil to control mite populations.
