Overview
Solidago simplex Kunth ssp. randii (Porter) Ringius var. ontarioensis (Ringius) Ringius, commonly known as Ontario goldenrod, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. This plant species is native to North America and can be found in various regions of eastern and central Canada and the United States.
Common Names
Ontario goldenrod has several common names, including Ontario rough-leaved goldenrod, Rand's goldenrod, and Rand's golden aster.
Appearance
The Ontario goldenrod plant has a height of about 1-2 meters with rough and hairy leaves that grow up to 6 centimeters in length. The tall stem is slender with greenish-yellow inflorescence that blooms in late summer to early fall. The flower heads are small, about 6-15 millimeters in diameter, and are densely clustered at the top of the stem. Each flower head has several tiny yellow flowers, making the plant attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Uses
Ontario goldenrod has both medicinal and commercial uses. The plant is a rich source of essential oils, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds essential for traditional medicine practices. It has been used to treat sore throat, cough, fever, and urinary tract infections. In commercial applications, the plant's flowers can be used to make perfumes, and the leaves can be used to make dye or yellow pigment.
Light Requirements
Solidago simplex Kunth ssp. randii var. ontarioensis typically grows in full sun to partial shade conditions. This subspecies requires at least four hours of direct sunlight every day to thrive. In areas with hot summers, partial shade can help prevent heat stress and encourage healthy growth.
Temperature Requirements
Although this subspecies can tolerate relatively high temperatures during the summer, it requires a cool and moist period during the winter months. These plants grow best in the temperature range of 15-25 degrees Celsius during the growing season, but can handle occasional exposure to low temperatures. During winter months, they can withstand freezing temperatures, and the plant will simply become dormant.
Soil Requirements
Solidago simplex Kunth ssp. randii var. ontarioensis prefers well-draining soils that are moderately fertile with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The soil should have a high water-holding capacity to keep the plants hydrated during hot and dry weather. These plants are generally tolerant of a range of soil types, including loamy, clayey, gravely, and sandy soils. However, they do not tolerate wet soils and poorly-drained conditions.
Cultivation Methods
Solidago simplex Kunth ssp. randii (Porter) Ringius var. ontarioensis (Ringius) Ringius is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. It is best propagated from seed, and the seeds should be sown directly into a well-prepared garden bed in the spring or fall. The plant prefers full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade. It also prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Watering Needs
This plant requires moderate watering, but it is drought-tolerant once established. Water the plant deeply once a week during dry periods. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Solidago simplex Kunth ssp. randii (Porter) Ringius var. ontarioensis (Ringius) Ringius does not require regular fertilization. However, you can add a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in the spring if the soil is poor. Stop fertilizing by mid-summer to avoid encouraging soft growth that can be damaged by winter frost.
Pruning
This plant does not require regular pruning, but it can benefit from a light trim in the spring to encourage bushier growth. Cut back the stems by one-third to one-half of their length before new growth begins. Deadheading spent flowers can also encourage more blooms throughout the growing season.
Propagation of Solidago simplex Kunth ssp. randii (Porter) Ringius var. ontarioensis (Ringius) Ringius
There are different methods of propagating Solidago simplex Kunth ssp. randii (Porter) Ringius var. ontarioensis (Ringius) Ringius. One of which is through division.
Propagation through Division
Propagation of Solidago simplex Kunth ssp. randii (Porter) Ringius var. ontarioensis (Ringius) Ringius through division involves separating the plant into two or more sections and planting each section separately. This method is best done in early spring before plants start actively growing. Dig up the entire plant and use a sharp, clean knife to divide the root mass into sections. Each section should have several healthy roots and shoots.
Ensure each new plant has enough space to grow and develop a new root system. Divide roots and leaves evenly between the new plants, and cut back any dead or damaged foliage. After dividing the plant, replant the new sections immediately in a well-draining soil mix and water thoroughly.
Propagation through Seeding
Solidago simplex Kunth ssp. randii (Porter) Ringius var. ontarioensis (Ringius) Ringius can also be propagated through seeding. Collect seeds from ripe flower heads in the fall. Store them in a cool, dry place for the winter. In spring, sow the seeds in a light - but not sandy - soil mixture. Keep the soil moist, and place the pots in a location that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.
After a few weeks, seedlings will appear. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots. This enables them to develop strong root systems before planting in the garden. When the danger of frost is gone, transplant the seedlings outdoors, spacing them at least 12 inches apart.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that affect Solidago simplex Kunth ssp. randii (Porter) Ringius var. ontarioensis (Ringius) Ringius is powdery mildew. This disease is characterized by a white, powdery growth on the surface of leaves and stems, which can eventually cause leaf yellowing and drop. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to prune affected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. Moreover, applying fungicides like sulfur or neem oil can help prevent powdery mildew from spreading. Also, maintaining proper plant spacing and good air circulation can reduce the occurrences of the disease.
Another disease that can affect Solidago simplex is rust. This disease causes orange to brown spots on leaves, and it can lead to leaf drop. To prevent rust, it is crucial to remove the affected leaves as the spores can spread to healthy leaves. Applying fungicides like mancozeb or copper can help control the disease when its development is severe.
Pest Management
Insects like aphids and spider mites are known to affect Solidago simplex. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and distort. Spider mites, on the other hand, are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the leaves, causing a yellowing and speckled appearance. To manage these insects, the use of insecticidal soaps or oils can help control infestations. Also, introducing natural predators like ladybugs can help limit the damage caused by these pests. Additionally, keeping the plant well-watered and fertilized can help reduce pest impact.
Caterpillars like the aster topper moth or the goldenrod gall moth can also feed on the leaves of the Solidago simplex. These pests can eat large sections of leaves, causing significant defoliation. To manage caterpillars, inspecting and handpicking them can be effective. Also, the use of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad insecticides can help control caterpillar populations. Additionally, maintaining good cultural practices such as raking up leaf litter can help limit the breeding grounds for these pests.
