Solidago ×erskinei: A Rare Native Goldenrod Worth Knowing
If you’re a native plant enthusiast always on the lookout for something a bit different, Solidago ×erskinei might just pique your interest. This goldenrod hybrid represents one of nature’s more elusive creations – a cross between two goldenrod species that’s native to northeastern North America but rarely encountered in gardens or even in the wild.
What Makes This Goldenrod Special?
Solidago ×erskinei is what botanists call a hybrid species, indicated by that little × symbol in its name. As a perennial forb (a non-woody flowering plant), it shares the basic characteristics of its goldenrod relatives while potentially offering its own unique twist on the classic goldenrod form.
This native beauty calls both Canada and the lower 48 states home, though its documented range is quite limited. You’ll find it naturally occurring in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and New York – a relatively small geographic footprint that adds to its mystique.
The Challenge and Appeal of Growing Solidago ×erskinei
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit challenging): this goldenrod hybrid is something of an enigma in the gardening world. While we know it’s a hardy perennial native to the Northeast, detailed growing information is surprisingly scarce. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – it just means you’d be pioneering territory that few gardeners have explored!
Why Consider This Uncommon Native?
Despite the limited information available, there are compelling reasons to be interested in Solidago ×erskinei:
- It’s genuinely native to northeastern North America
- As a goldenrod, it likely supports native pollinators and wildlife
- Its rarity makes it a conversation starter for native plant enthusiasts
- Perennial nature means it should return year after year once established
The Reality Check
Before you get too excited, let’s be honest about the challenges. Finding Solidago ×erskinei for your garden might be like searching for a needle in a haystack. Most nurseries won’t carry this specific hybrid, and even specialized native plant sources may not have it available.
Additionally, without extensive cultivation experience to draw from, growing this plant successfully would involve some educated guesswork based on general goldenrod care principles.
Alternative Native Goldenrods
If Solidago ×erskinei proves too elusive, don’t despair! The goldenrod family offers many fantastic native alternatives that are easier to find and grow:
- Solidago canadensis (Canada goldenrod)
- Solidago nemoralis (gray goldenrod)
- Solidago rugosa (rough-stemmed goldenrod)
- Solidago speciosa (showy goldenrod)
The Bottom Line
Solidago ×erskinei represents the fascinating world of native plant rarities – species that exist in nature but haven’t made their way into mainstream horticulture. While it might not be practical for most gardeners to pursue, knowing about plants like this reminds us of the incredible diversity within our native flora.
If you do happen to encounter this rare goldenrod hybrid through specialty sources or botanical gardens, consider it a special opportunity to grow something truly uncommon. Just remember that with rarity comes responsibility – always ensure any plant material is ethically and sustainably sourced.
For most of us, appreciating Solidago ×erskinei might mean simply knowing it exists and supporting the broader conservation of native plant habitats where such rarities can thrive naturally.
