Solidago caesia, or Blue-stemmed goldenrod, is one of our most elegant goldenrods for growing in partial to full shade. It has dark, narrow foliage on mostly unbranched stems that grow up about 3' tall and arch gracefully towards the ground. In the late summer and fall, yellow flower clusters emerge along the stem at leaf nodes, providing a pollinator food source at a time when most plants are done blooming. It is a common sight in our forest edges and woodland understories, growing happily along roadsides and driveways. It is an easy grower that will adapt to most landscaping situations with partial shade. It is also fairly tolerant of dry soils.

Solidagos are incredibly important for butterfly and moth caterpillars, serving as host plants for over 125 species, and also support lots of other small insects.

Goldenrod pollen is too heavy to become airborne, so in spite of its reputation, it does not impact people with allergies to pollen.