Goldenrod, Ohio - Solidago ohioensis

Solidago ohioensis, or Ohio Goldenrod, is a perennial wildflower native to Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. This plant reproduces naturally in calcareous (limestone) areas of the U.P., particularly the U.P. shores of Lakes Michigan and Huron. It prefers moist rocky or sandy sites like shores and fens, but is also found at moist clay sites, riverbanks, marshes, and peat swamps. Although it may not reproduce itself as readily, Ohio Goldenrod does fine in good garden soil and has an attractive shape, bold flowers, and a polite manner. 
 
Ohio Goldenrod has narrow foliage and a flat dome of showy flowers which transition to fluffy attractive seeds. It reaches about 3 feet in height and blooms in late summer to fall in wet to medium soil and full sun. This goldenrod and others are used medicinally and have been used for producing yellow dye. Goldenrods are essential late season pollinator plants, and host the most caterpillar species of any wildflower. Many of those caterpillars are used by birds to raise their nestlings. Birds also eat the seeds.