Swamp goldenrod, also known as rough leaf goldenrod, is a herbaceous perennial native to eastern United States where it grows in wet lands such as swamps, bogs, and shores of rivers and lakes. The erect stem is light green to purplish green, four angled, and unbranched beneath the inflorescence. Flowerheads are borne at the ends of the central stem in branched, loose, panicles from late summer to early fall. Each flowerhead consists of 5-12 golden yellow ray flowers surrounding 5-15 yellow disc flowers. The fruits that follow are small, dry achenes with tufts of hair for wind dispersal. Medium green leaves are up to twelve inches long at the base of the stem and decrease in size as they go upward. They are elliptical, alternate, rough textured and have toothed margins. Numerous insects including bees and moths feed on the nectar and pollen or foliage and flowers. The root system fibrous with rhizomes. Swamp goldenrod is an excellent choice for the wettest and middle zone of a rain garden.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Clusters of golden yellow flowerheads are produced in panicles in late summer and early fall.
Size: 2.5-7′ H x 2-3′ W
Light: Part to light shade
Soil: Average, wet to consistently moist
Care: Low Maintenance
Hardiness: Zones 3-8
Pests and Diseases: Powdery mildew, many chewing insects
Propagation: Seed
Companion Plants: Blue vervain (Verbena hastata), Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale), Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
Karen Meyers