Solidago bicolor

While other goldenrod species bloom yellow, White Goldenrod is the only one native to the east coast that blooms white. Yellow and white ray flowers bloom late summer to fall on spikes, and it looks beautiful planted alongside asters. It is naturally found in dry upland forests, rocky woodlands, and roadsides. This compact perennial has an erect and clumping habit. White Goldenrod is adaptable and can grow in a variety of soil types. Preferring average to dry moisture, it can also grow in poor soil. Once established, it can even be quite drought tolerant. Additionally, its salt tolerance means it can be planted near roads where other plants struggle to thrive. White Goldenrod spreads by rhizomes, or underground stems that can grow new plants at each node. Larvae of the Wavy-Lined Emerald Butterfly eat the leaves as they get ready to pupate. Flowers are visited by a variety of native bees and butterflies. Songbirds enjoy the seeds in fall.