Bluestem Goldenrod

The graceful arching form, blue-gray stems, and shade tolerance make this the most versatile goldenrod for mixed borders and woodland edges.

Bluestem Goldenrod takes its common name from the blue-gray bloom that coats the slender arching stems, a subtle, waxy coating that gives the plant a distinctive cool tone before the yellow flowers arrive. The flowers appear as small axillary clusters along the full length of the arching stems from September through October, giving the plant a fountain-like form covered in gold. It bridges the gap between woodland and sun garden, tolerating more shade than most goldenrods while also performing well in brighter conditions. The arching stems and scattered axillary flowers give Bluestem Goldenrod a more graceful, less assertive presence than the large-plumed species. It's well-suited to the edge of a shade garden, the transition zone between sun and shade, or planted in groups at the front of a shrub border. The glaucous blue stems are attractive even out of bloom, and the plant spreads at a reasonable rate without becoming invasive. Native bees and monarchs find it reliably in fall.