Solidago gigantea Ait. var. pitcheri (Nutt.) Shinners
Solidago gigantea Ait. var. pitcheri (Nutt.) Shinners, commonly known as the Pitcher's goldenrod, is a perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to eastern and central North America and is found in the United States and Canada.
General Appearance
The plant grows up to a height of 2-6 feet and spread of 1-3 feet. It has lance-shaped leaves with serrated edges that are arranged in an alternate manner along the stem. The flowers are bright yellow and arranged in a dense, flat-topped cluster at the top of the plant. The flowers bloom from July to September, attracting bees and butterflies that help in pollination.
Uses
The Pitcher's goldenrod is an ornamental plant that is used to add color to flower beds, borders, or natural landscapes. It is also used in prairie restoration projects to attract pollinators and wildlife. The plant has some medicinal properties and has been used traditionally to treat kidney stones, fever, and diarrhea.
The Pitcher's goldenrod is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of soil types and climatic conditions. It grows best in full sun to partial shade and requires moderate watering during the growing season.
Light
Solidago gigantea Ait. var. pitcheri (Nutt.) Shinners prefer to grow in full sunlight. They can tolerate partial shade, but the plants may grow leggy and not produce as many flowers.
Temperature
These plants thrive in temperate climates, tolerating both hot and cold weather to some extent. They can survive in USDA zones 3-9, which means they can tolerate temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C) in winter and as high as 90°F (32°C) in summer.
Soil
The plant prefers well-draining soils, such as sandy or loamy soil types. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, with a range of pH 5.5 to 7.0. Good soil drainage is essential, as the plants do not tolerate waterlogged soil. Composted organic matter can also help improve soil structure and fertility.
Cultivation
Solidago gigantea Ait. var. pitcheri (Nutt.) Shinners, commonly known as Pitcher's Giant Goldenrod, is a native plant that can be found growing wild in most of the central United States. If you want to cultivate this plant in your garden, you need to choose a spot that receives full sun exposure. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but it won't grow as vigorously as it would in full sun.
The soil should be well-drained and slightly acidic. You can amend heavy clay soil with organic matter, such as peat moss or compost, to improve drainage. The plant is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it won't grow well in soil that is constantly waterlogged.
Watering Needs
Pitcher's Giant Goldenrod is drought-tolerant and can survive long periods of dry weather. However, the plant will grow better and produce more flowers if you water it regularly during periods of extended drought. You should water the plant deeply once a week, making sure that the soil is moist to a depth of at least 6 inches.
During periods of heavy rain, you don't need to water the plant at all. Overwatering can actually harm the plant and make it more susceptible to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Pitcher's Giant Goldenrod doesn't require a lot of fertilizer. In fact, too much fertilizer can cause the plant to grow too quickly and become weak and spindly. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring is usually sufficient for this plant.
If you want to encourage more flowers, you can apply a phosphorus-rich fertilizer in the fall, when the plant is preparing to bloom. However, this is not necessary and may not make a significant difference in the plant's performance.
Pruning
Pitcher's Giant Goldenrod doesn't require a lot of pruning, but you should remove any dead or damaged stems in the spring to promote new growth. You can also deadhead the flowers as they fade to encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
If the plant becomes too large or starts to flop over, you can cut it back by one-third to one-half in the early summer. This will encourage the plant to produce new growth and will result in a bushier, more compact plant.
Propagation of Solidago gigantea Ait. var. pitcheri (Nutt.) Shinners
There are three main methods for propagating Solidago gigantea Ait. var. pitcheri (Nutt.) Shinners:
1. Seed Propagation
Propagation by seed is the most common and easiest way to generate new plants. Collect mature seeds from ripe flower heads in fall and sow them immediately in a prepared seedbed. The seed bed should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. The seeds should germinate in 2-3 weeks. Seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly to the field after they reach a suitable size.
2. Division Propagation
Division is another common propagation method for Solidago gigantea Ait. var. pitcheri (Nutt.) Shinners. Dig up mature clumps in early spring or fall and divide them into sections with at least two shoots and a portion of the underground crown. Replant the division to a new location or container with a prepared soil mix, rooting hormone, and water thoroughly.
3. Cuttings Propagation
Propagating Solidago gigantea Ait. var. pitcheri (Nutt.) Shinners by cuttings is the most challenging method, but can be useful for producing clones of desirable plants. Take stem cuttings from the new growth in the summer or fall when the plant is actively growing. Cut the stems into segments with two nodes and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and insert them into a well-drained rooting medium. Water the medium thoroughly and cover with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity. The cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks.
Disease Management
Common diseases that affect Solidago gigantea Ait. var. pitcheri (Nutt.) Shinners include:
- Rust: This fungal disease causes yellow or orange spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. Over time, the spots turn black and can cause the leaves to fall off. To manage rust, remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide spray to the plant.
- Crown rot: This soil-borne fungal disease causes the roots of the plant to decay, which can lead to wilting and death. To manage crown rot, avoid planting the plant in poorly-drained soil and remove any infected plants immediately to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide spray to the plant.
Pest Management
Common pests that affect Solidago gigantea Ait. var. pitcheri (Nutt.) Shinners include:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause it to wilt and die. To manage aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Japanese beetles: These beetles feed on the leaves of the plant and can skeletonize them. To manage Japanese beetles, handpick them off the plant or use a pesticide designed for beetle control.
- Spiders mites: These tiny pests feed on the sap of the plant and can cause it to turn yellow and dry out. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular monitoring of the plant for signs of disease and pests is important for early detection and management.
