University
of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science
University
of Vermont Extension 
Solidago sphacelata 'Golden Fleece'
(sol-i-day' go sfay' ce-lah-tah)
Common name: Golden Fleece Goldenrod
Family: Asteraceae, Aster
Height x width: 18" to 2' tall x 2-3' wide
Growth rate: moderate
Foliage: rounded, alternate, often dentate, sometimes with basal rosettes
Flowers: many small flowers in loose sprays, terminal, fall
Hardiness: zones 3-6 to 8
Soil: well-drained
Light: sun to part shade
Pests and Problems: spider mites, leaf rust, lacebug on some species, chewing by mammals
Landscape habit, uses: meadow and natural gardens, borders, cut flower, bee and butterfly gardens
Other interest: this genus is usually erroneously thought to cause allergies, which are actually caused by ragweed (Ambrosia) which blooms at the same time; genus is native to North America, related species have been taken to Europe, hybridized, and are seen extensively in gardens and in Europe as a cut flower especially for cemetaries; genus name from the Latin solidus meaning whole, refering to its traditional healing properties; this cultivar selected by Dr. Richard Lighty of the Mt. Cuba Center in Delaware in the 1980's, and has a quite different flowering character from most other species and cultivars and is quite attractive, especially massed or as a groundcover
Other culture: may need division in borders every 3-4 years
Propagation: seeds, division
Sources: Sunny Border Nurseries, Kensington, CT (wholesale); North Creek Nursery, Landenberg, PA; check your local garden stores, and online catalogs as well
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