Solidago odora (Sweet Goldenrod)

A stately plant for the fragrant garden, Solidago odora (Sweet Goldenrod) is a clump-forming, slowly enlarging perennial boasting upright stems clad with lance-shaped, dark green leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm), that smell like anise when crushed. In midsummer to early fall, it bears densely packed clusters of yellow flowers along one side of slightly arching branches. Attractive to birds, bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, Sweet Goldenrod provides a bold splash of color in the late season garden. Easy to grow, low care and trouble free, it is a great choice for sunny beds and borders, meadows or open woodland gardens. Its leaves and dried flowers may be used in teas.

• Grows up to 2-4 ft. tall (60-120 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (60 cm). May self-seed in the garden, but this Goldenrod is well-behaved and is easily kept in bounds.
• Performs best in full sun or light shade, in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. It is not fussy about soils and tolerates clay soils, dry soils or poor soils. Drought tolerant once established.
• Vital ingredient of late summer and fall borders, cottage gardens, butterfly gardens where it adds color and texture.
• Attractive to birds, bees and butterflies, it is deer resistant.
• Deadhead spent flowers to avoid self-seeding.
• Propagate by division or by seed.
• Native to North America.