Solidago Archives

Goldenrod: Kentucky’s Misunderstood State Flower

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. May 16, 1926 On this day, Kentucky officially adopted the goldenrod as its state floral emblem. This decision came after years of debate within gardening clubs, who felt that the previously recognized bluegrass…

Asa Gray and Goldenrod or Solidago

A Letter from a Friend November 18, 1881 On this day, Asa Gray received a letter from his botanical friend and colleague George Engelmann. Asa wrote him back in December: “My dear old Friend, It is shabby of me to wait so long in response to your kindly greetings, which were dated on my birthday,…

The Kentucky Floral Emblem: Goldenrod

“Goldenrod has a lot of haters; many people confuse it for ragweed. I hate even to say that – because I think that makes people think they must look similar. That’s just not true.” May 16, 1926 On this day, Kentucky selected the Goldenrod as its State Flower. Previously, Kentucky’s flower had been the…