Mariton: Blue-stemmed Goldenrod

by Tim Burris, Preserve Manager

One of my favorite fall wildflowers is the Blue-stemmed Goldenrod (Solidago caesia).  Unlike many goldenrods, the Blue-stemmed likes a little shade.  You can find it growing along the woodland trails at Mariton.  Another difference is that instead of painting the landscape with a wide brush, like many goldenrods, the Blue-stemmed uses one arching stroke from a finely tipped brush to make its point.  The bright yellow flowers are arranged along a single arching stem.  It can grow 3 feet long, but I generally see stems about ½ that size or less.