Common Name: Wichita Mountains Goldenrod
Family: Asteraceae
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Native Range: Cultivar of a U.S. native species (Solidago sphacelata), originally from the Wichita Mountains in Oklahoma
Hardiness Zones: 4–9
Height: 2.0 to 3.0 feet
Spread: 1.5 to 2.5 feet
Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall (August to September in Nebraska)
Bloom Description: Dense, bright golden-yellow flower clusters held upright on stiff stems
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Water Needs: Low to medium
Soil Preference: Well-drained soil; tolerates rocky, sandy, or clay soils
Maintenance Level: Low
Suggested Use: Pollinator beds, naturalized plantings, borders, meadows
Attracts: Native bees, butterflies, beneficial insects
Tolerates: Drought, poor soil, deer
Notable Features: Upright habit, non-aggressive, late-season nectar source, compact size
Nebraska Growing Notes:
‘Wichita Mountains’ is one of the best-behaved goldenrods for Nebraska gardens, non-invasive, upright, and easy to manage. It thrives in full sun and dry to medium soils, making it ideal for prairie plantings, borders, and pollinator gardens across the state.
Unlike some goldenrod species that tend to sprawl or spread aggressively, this selection remains compact and clump-forming, rarely requiring division or control. It tolerates clay soils common in eastern Nebraska and performs well with minimal irrigation once established.
Its late-summer blooms provide a critical nectar source for pollinators, especially Monarch butterflies preparing for migration and native bees wrapping up their foraging season.
Landscape Use:
A standout in low-maintenance borders, prairie-inspired plantings, pollinator strips, and xeriscapes. Its strong vertical structure and golden blooms contrast beautifully with asters, ornamental grasses, Echinacea, and Liatris.
Caution:
Goldenrod is often wrongly blamed for fall allergies, its pollen is not windborne like ragweed. ‘Wichita Mountains’ is non-toxic, has no thorns, and poses no hazards in garden settings.
Garden Locations: