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Native Plant Society of Texas

Blue-stemmed Goldenrod

Solidago caesia

Other common name(s):

Wreath Goldenrod, Bluestem Goldenrod

Family:

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Western Gulf Coastal Plain
Flatwoods, Floodplains and Low Terraces3, Pleistocene Fluvial Terraces, Red River Bottomlands, Southern Tertiary Uplands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1
to
3
ft.

Spread

1
to
3
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Dry, Loam

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low, Medium

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Season

Fall

Seasonal Interest

Larval Host, Nectar, Pollen, Seeds

Wildlife Benefit

Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Moths

Maintenance

Shade tolerant. No serious disease or insect problems. Some of the lower leaves may dry up in the heat of the summer. Provides great fall color. Does not spread as much as other goldenrods. Native habitat: deciduous or open woods, wood borders, and clearings.

Description

Blooms August-October. A relatively small goldenrod with smooth purplish, arching stems and long, narrow leaves. Scattered clusters of yellow flower heads appear in the leaf axils, with a large terminal cluster. The fruit is a cypsela: a dry, one-seeded fruit, usually topped by pappus. Larval host: Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata), Green Leuconycta Moth (L. diphteroides), Goldenrod Hooded Owlet Moth (C. asteroides).
Previous Scientific Name(s): Solidago axillaris, Solidago caesia var. axillaris, Solidago caesia var. caesia

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost or start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Sow seeds on the surface of a well-draining seed starting mix and lightly press them in. Keep the soil consistently moist. Place the seed tray in a bright location but out of direct sunlight. Collect seeds in late fall after the flowers have faded and seed heads have dried. 1) https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-solidago-caesia/ 2) https://monsteraholic.com/plant-faqs-solidago-caesia/
Seed Stratification Seeds may require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Place the seeds in a moistened mix of sand and peat in a plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator for about 60 days to mimic winter conditions. The optimal time to sow is in spring, just after the threat of frost has passed. Sow the stratified seeds on the surface of a prepared medium such as a mix of peat, vermiculite, and sand. Lightly press them into the surface but do not cover them with soil, as they need light to germinate. Mist the seeds lightly with water to provide the necessary moisture, using a spray bottle to avoid disturbing the seeds. Place the seed tray in a warm location with a steady temperature and indirect light. Germination can take several weeks. Collect ripe seeds from a mature plant, selecting seeds that are plump and have a dark color. Dry the collected seeds for a few days to prevent mold growth during storage. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Solidago_caesia.html
Clump Division Replant the divisions at the same depth they were previously growing, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart. Early spring or fall is the ideal time for dividing established plants. Carefully dig up the entire clump, ensuring you get as much of the root system as possible. Using a sharp, clean garden knife or spade, divide the clump into smaller sections, each containing a healthy portion of roots and stems. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-solidago-caesia/
Softwood Cutting Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving just a few at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional but helpful) and plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the cuttings consistently moist and in a humid environment. A propagation dome or a plastic bag loosely placed over the cuttings can help retain moisture. Once roots have developed (usually within 4-6 weeks), you can transplant the rooted cuttings into individual pots or directly into the garden. Select healthy, non-flowering stems in late spring or early summer and cut 4-6 inch sections just below a leaf node. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-solidago-caesia/
Root Division Plant these divisions individually in a well-draining soil mix and water thoroughly. Keep the new plants in a shaded area for a few weeks until they establish themselves. In the spring or fall, carefully dig up the root ball of the plant and use a sharp knife to separate the roots into sections. Each section should have a few healthy roots and a shoot. https://plantiary.com/plant/solidago-caesia_9979.html

About the Region

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason