Plant Profile: Solidago shortii

Solidago shortii, commonly known as Short's Goldenrod, is a perennial wildflower belonging to the Goldenrod family. This species thrives in moist, well-drained soils that are gravelly and enriched with loam or decomposed organic matter, ideally situated in full sunlight or partial shade. To achieve the best floral display, it is recommended to plant Short's Goldenrod in full sun. While it does spread through rhizomes to create colonies, it does so less aggressively compared to other Goldenrod varieties. Additionally, the plant can self-seed, although viable seeds require pollination, primarily facilitated by insects, with soldier beetles being noted as key pollinators.

Short's Goldenrod typically inhabits open, rocky environments such as limestone glades, rocky slopes, roadside ledges, woodland edges, fields, and riverbanks. From late summer to early fall, it produces clusters of tiny yellow flowers, ranging from 50 to 150 blooms, which attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. During its blooming period, the plants may exhibit a tendency to lean or flop over.

Currently, Short's Goldenrod is classified as endangered on the Federal Endangered Species list. The only known populations of this species exist in the Blue Lick Springs region of northeastern Kentucky and along the Blue River in Harrison-Crawford State Forest in southern Indiana. A cultivar named 'Solar Cascade' has been developed by the Cincinnati Zoo Botanical Garden Native Endangered Plant Program as part of its conservation efforts for this species.

Regarding pests and diseases, Short's Goldenrod does not face any significant insect or disease threats. Once established, the plant demonstrates resilience against deer and drought conditions.