Short's goldenrod (Solidago shortii)

Overview

Solidago shortii, known commonly as Short’s goldenrod, is a critically important, yet seldom encountered, herbaceous perennial native to extremely small regions of Kentucky and Indiana. This plant offers gardeners a valuable opportunity to support conservation efforts while enjoying robust, late-season color when many other perennials fade. Its manageable size and resilience make it a thoughtful addition to specialized landscape designs.

Short’s goldenrod establishes itself in open, rocky areas, preferring deep, well-drained substrates derived from limestone. A key feature of Solidago shortii is its growth habit; it slowly spreads via rhizomes, eventually forming attractive, contained colonies. While it may self-seed, successful reproduction requires cross-pollination, often achieved by local insects like the soldier beetle.

For the ecologically minded gardener, incorporating Short’s goldenrod supports native ecosystems, attracting bees and butterflies that rely on late summer and early fall nectar sources. Due to its status as a federally listed endangered species, growing this plant often involves ethical considerations and sourcing from reputable conservation nurseries focused on saving species like Solidago shortii.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Asteraceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Native Range: Kentucky, Indiana
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 2-2.5 ft
  • Spread: 1.5-2 ft
• Bloom Time: September to October
• Bloom Description: Yellow
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

When establishing Solidago shortii, aim for late spring or early fall planting to minimize transplant stress. The absolute best location mimics its native habitat: moist, gravelly, and well-drained soils. Although plants tolerate part shade, they achieve their best performance and most compact habit when sited in full sun. If you are cultivating Short’s goldenrod, be prepared for modest spreading via rhizomes, which helps in building those desirable colonies.

Watering requirements for this species lean toward dry to medium. Once established, it handles periods of drought well, provided the soil structure remains porous. Avoid heavy fertilization; rich, amended garden soil can sometimes lead to leggier, less sturdy growth than is ideal for this plant. Minimal supplemental water is necessary outside of prolonged dry spells.

Maintenance for low-growing goldenrods like this is straightforward. Generally, pruning is unnecessary aside from trimming back the spent flower stalks in late fall or early spring before new growth commences. Remember that Solidago shortii relies on cross-pollination; plant more than one individual if you hope to see successful seed set, as they are self-incompatible.

Landscape Uses

The primary recommended use for Short’s goldenrod aligns perfectly with native gardens and ecological restoration projects. It slots beautifully into meadow landscapes, prairie borders, or sunny, naturalized areas where its low-maintenance nature shines. Its upright form provides essential vertical accent in the late season, contrasting nicely with mounding or sprawling fall bloomers.

When designing with this species, consider its specific soil and moisture needs—avoid heavy clay or consistently soggy areas. Companion plants should share similar requirements for dry to medium soil and full sun exposure. Think structural grasses, coneflowers, or other robust prairie natives that can withstand lean soil conditions. Integrating Solidago shortii into a habitat garden directly contributes to local biodiversity.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Solidago shortii, commonly known as Short’s goldenrod, is on the Federal Endangered Species list. It is named after Dr. Charles Wilkins Short who first discovered this plant in 1840 growing on a limestone outcrop called Rock Island within the Falls of the Ohio River near Louisville, Kentucky. Plants at this original site disappeared in the early 1900s, at least in part because dam construction on the Ohio River destroyed the habitat. The only know populations of this goldenrod today are the Blue Lick Springs area of northeastern Kentucky (14 populations in Fleming, Nicholas and Robertson Counties) and along the Blue River in Harrison-Crawford State Forest in southern Indiana (1 population). Habitat for this plant mostly consists of open rocky areas including limestone glades, rocky slopes, roadside ledges, wood margins, fields and along river banks. Plants typically grow 2.5’ tall on upright arching stems clad with alternate, serrate, narrow-elliptic, medium green leaves (to 3-4” long). Longest leaves are found near the middle of each stem. Basal and lower stem leaves usually wither prior to flowering. Tiny yellow flowers bloom along the upper stems in small axillary and terminal clusters from late summer to early fall (September-October). Flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. This plant is listed in the Center for Plant Conservation’s National Collection of Endangered Plants.Genus name comes from the Latin words solidus meaning whole and ago meaning to make in reference to the medicinal healing properties of some species plants.Specific epithet most likely honors Kentucky botanist Dr. Charles W. Short (1794-1863).

Tolerances

• Deer

Potential Problems

Fortunately, gardeners cultivating Solidago shortii can expect a low level of horticultural worry. This species does not typically suffer from serious insect infestations or common garden diseases. Its primary vulnerability is habitat destruction in the wild, not pest pressure in a managed garden setting. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root issues, as consistently wet, heavy soil is the most likely cultural stressor it will face.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Short’s goldenrod suitable for?

Short’s goldenrod (Solidago shortii) is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9.

How large does Solidago shortii grow?

This perennial typically reaches a height between 2 and 2.5 feet, with a spread ranging from 1.5 to 2 feet as it slowly forms colonies.

When does Short’s goldenrod bloom?

This species provides excellent late-season color, blooming primarily from September into October with cheerful yellow flowers.

What sun exposure does Solidago shortii need?

For best results, plant Short’s goldenrod where it receives full sun, although it can tolerate part shade conditions.

Conclusion

Solidago shortii offers significant appeal to the specialized grower, combining low maintenance with critical ecological value, particularly through its late-season yellow blooms. By successfully cultivating Short’s goldenrod in suitable, well-drained environments, gardeners actively participate in the conservation of this rare native. Always check local availability and zone compatibility before planning your planting this fall.

Wildlife Benefits

The dense, terminal clusters of yellow flowers produced by Solidago shortii in the autumn are invaluable for supporting local insect populations. As one of the later-blooming native species, it provides essential nectar and pollen for late-season pollinators, including various species of native bees and butterflies preparing for migration or overwintering. Because the flowers are so attractive to insects like the soldier beetle, introducing this plant directly supports the food web in your garden.

Companion Planting Considerations

When designing a habitat garden around Short’s goldenrod, select companions that thrive in dry to medium, well-drained, lean soils, mirroring the limestone glade habitat of this species. Excellent partners suitable for zones 6-9 include coreopsis species (Coreopsis), various native milkweeds (Asclepias species suited for sun), and sturdy asters that bloom concurrently or slightly before. Avoid plants requiring consistently moist conditions, as this will compromise the health of Solidago shortii.