Solidago cutleri

Solidago cutleri is a non-invasive alpine goldenrod, perfect for brightening up a sunny rock garden. It forms a low tuft of leaves that disappear in winter and blooms in feathery panicles of brilliant golden yellow in the second half of summer. A cheerful plant that is easy to grow in full sun, in any well-drained soil, even poor, sandy, or rocky.

Solidago cutleri (synonyms Solidago virgaurea var. alpina, S. brachystachys) is a perennial plant belonging to the aster family, a cousin of daisies. It is a botanical species native to North America, found in the mountainous regions from New York to Quebec. Unlike many wild goldenrods, it does not spread through suckers. This plant reaches about 15-20 cm in height when flowering, with a width of 20-30 cm. It forms a dense, upright tuft of leafy stems emerging from a rosette of leaves. Flowering occurs from July to September, in the form of golden yellow inflorescences. These are conical or slightly flattened, feathery, very light panicles of tiny small heads. They appear at the end of stems carrying small, elongated, bright green leaves with slightly toothed edges. The above-ground vegetation of this goldenrod disappears in late autumn and reappears around March.

Solidago cutleri is a small alpine plant perfectly suited for rock gardens. To accompany it, consider Iberis 'Masterpiece', rock cresses, Basket-of-gold, and Armeria 'Ballerina Red', for example, to extend the flowering period of your rock garden. This small goldenrod can also be planted above walls.