Hairy Goldenrod: A Northern Native Worth Knowing
If you’re looking to add some native charm to your northern garden, you might want to get acquainted with hairy goldenrod (Solidago hispida var. arnoglossa). This perennial wildflower is one of those quietly dependable plants that native gardening enthusiasts are starting to appreciate more and more.
What Makes This Plant Special?
Hairy goldenrod is a native North American forb – which is just a fancy way of saying it’s a non-woody flowering plant that comes back year after year. As a member of the vast Solidago family, it shares the characteristic golden blooms that make goldenrods such valuable additions to late-season gardens.
What sets this particular variety apart is its northern heritage and hardy disposition. Unlike some of its more widespread cousins, this goldenrod has adapted to life in cooler climates, making it a perfect choice for gardeners in northern regions.
Where Does It Call Home?
This native beauty has quite a specific range, naturally occurring in Quebec, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Newfoundland. It’s truly a plant of the northern regions, having evolved to thrive in the unique conditions these areas provide.
Why Consider Growing Hairy Goldenrod?
Here’s where things get a bit challenging – and honest. While we know this plant is native and perennial, specific information about this particular variety is surprisingly limited in gardening literature. What we do know is encouraging:
- It’s a true native, which means it belongs in the ecosystem and supports local wildlife
- As a perennial, it provides lasting value in the garden
- Being part of the goldenrod family suggests it likely provides late-season nectar for pollinators
- Its northern range indicates excellent cold hardiness
The Growing Challenge
Here’s where I need to be upfront with you: specific growing information for Solidago hispida var. arnoglossa is remarkably scarce. This could mean a few things – it might be quite rare in cultivation, it could be so easy-going that nobody bothers writing care guides, or it might simply be overshadowed by more commonly grown goldenrod varieties.
If you’re determined to grow this particular variety, your best bet might be:
- Contacting native plant societies in its natural range
- Checking with botanical gardens or universities in Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, or Quebec
- Looking for seed from specialized native plant suppliers
Consider the Alternatives
While tracking down this specific variety might prove challenging, don’t let that discourage you from exploring other native goldenrods! The goldenrod family offers many wonderful options for northern gardens, including varieties with well-documented growing requirements and readily available plants or seeds.
If you do manage to find this particular variety, treat it as a special addition to your native plant collection. Given its limited range and the scarcity of cultivation information, it might be considered somewhat uncommon in gardens – making it a true conversation starter for fellow native plant enthusiasts.
The Bottom Line
Hairy goldenrod (Solidago hispida var. arnoglossa) represents one of those interesting gaps in our gardening knowledge – a native plant that clearly exists and has value, but hasn’t made its way into mainstream cultivation. If you’re in its native range and have access to responsibly sourced material, it could be a fascinating addition to a native plant collection. Just be prepared for some detective work in tracking down both the plant and specific growing information!
Sometimes the most rewarding gardening adventures involve the plants that don’t come with detailed care instructions – they challenge us to observe, experiment, and connect more deeply with the natural world around us.
