Western Goldenrod, or Western Canada Goldenrod (Solidago lepida var. salebrosa), has a wide range from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific coast. Western Goldenrod prefers to grow in open meadows, rocky slopes, and woodlands at elevations ranging from sea level to 12,000 feet. The plant forms attractive clumps of large, lance-shaped leaves on tall, erect stems that create a graceful presence, while the dense clusters of small, bright yellow flowers can last well into October, adding a splash of color to the landscape as other plants begin to fade.
 
Solidago is a very complex and variable genus, but we have been able to narrow this selection down to S. lepida var. salebrosa based on herbarium records of the collection site and the presence of unique late-season flowering stems that develop at the base of plant, curl downwards, and persist through the season without blooming.
 
Western Goldenrod blooms in late summer and continues through the fall, with flowering typically at its peak from July to mid-September. Goldenrods are known for their ability to attract and host pollinators, provide late-season nectar sources, and offer habitat for a variety of wildlife. An impressively wide range of bees, butterflies, and various other pollinators are commonly seen visiting the flowers. According to the US National Wildlife Federation, members of the Solidago genus serve as host plants for as many as 104 species of butterflies and moths, and support 42 species of pollen-specializing bees. Its dense growth and upright structure provide cover and nesting sites for small birds and other wildlife, and mature seed heads provide forage for songbirds including goldfinches. The flowers are also edible, and the petals can be used to garnish salads or steeped in hot water to make a fragrant and calming tea (not recommended for those with latex allergies and pregnant or breastfeeding women).
 
Plants are adaptable to a variety of well-drained soils, including loam, sand, and rocky soils. Colonies can be aggressively rhizomatous if provided ample access to moisture or occur more sporadically in dry conditions, and mature plants produce a profusion of airborne seeds. For these reasons, consideration should be given to space and spread of mature plants before introducing to the landscape or garden. To germinate, cold stratification is recommended by surface sowing immediately after seeds ripen in the early fall or late winter, though we have also had good success with spring sowing using no pretreatment. 
 
(Pictured: unverified Solidago sp.)