When you think of Kentucky, a few things may come to mind. There’s the fancy hats and mint juleps of the Kentucky Derby, the barrels of bourbon filling Louisville area distilleries, and landscapes that range from rolling green hills to impressive caverns. But what is the Kentucky state flower?
Although many flowers are found throughout the rolling hills of Kentucky, giant goldenrod holds a special place in Kentuckians’ hearts. And since it’s found throughout the state, you’re likely to spot it if you travel there.
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History of the Kentucky State Flower
Giant goldenrod wasn’t always the state flower of Kentucky. Before this yellow flower came to reign supreme, Kentucky bluegrass held the title of state flower. Although this grass isn’t native to Kentucky, it was readily grown throughout the state for turf and horse feed. However, in the early 1900s, members of gardening clubs began questioning using the grass as the state flower.
In 1926, the state legislature chose giant goldenrod as the Kentucky state flower. Since then, the bright yellow flower has been seen as a symbol of this Appalachian state. Although you may hear people say goldenrod is the state flower, the single species giant goldenrod is the more precise answer.
Giant Goldenrod Fun Facts
Giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea) is a flowering plant native to much of the United States. It’s also known as tall goldenrod. As you may expect, you can find it in Kentucky.
The plants aren’t picky about their soil, but they prefer moist areas. Therefore, you’ll likely see them growing along moist forest edges or streambanks. The plants look rather bland during the spring and summer, but they come alive in the late summer and fall when clusters of yellow flowers cover the tops of the plants. These flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies and work well in pollinator gardens.
Although many people think they’re allergic to goldenrod, this plant is rarely responsible for allergies. However, giant ragweed blooms at the same time as goldenrod and often causes watery eyes and dripping noses.
How to Grow and Care for Giant Goldenrod
Giant goldenrod prefers full sun but can tolerate dappled light or afternoon shade. However, it will likely produce less flowers in shady areas. These plants can tolerate a variety of soil types, including clay and silt. However, they prefer soil that’s moist to moderately moist, and don’t grow well during prolonged drought. Other types of goldenrod grow well in dry soil, so you can always choose another species if you want to grow these yellow flowers in a dry area.
The best time to plant them is in the spring or fall, since the cool weather allows the plants to become established before extreme heat or cold arrives. When planting, choose a spot with well-drained soil, although goldenrod can adapt to various soil types, including sandy or clay soils. If you’re planting a seedling, dig a hole a few inches wider than the plant’s root ball. Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is even with the soil surface, then backfill the hole with soil and water well.
If you want to plant from seed, sprinkle the seeds on the ground in the late fall. The seeds require a period of cold, moist stratification before they’ll germinate, so letting them sit outside during winter will naturally break their dormancy and allow them to germinate.
Since the plants are natives that are well-suited to Kentucky and other areas of the US, they don’t require fertilizer or much management. You can cut back the dead stems in the winter, but leaving them in place will provide food and habitat for birds and other wildlife.
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No matter where you live, there are flowers to enjoy! If you want to learn about your state flower check out our full list of state flowers. From there, you can learn about the Idaho state flower or whatever other state flower you’d like.
And when it comes time to bring beauty indoors, check out our flower delivery. We offer bouquets containing farm-fresh flowers like ranunculus, sunflowers, and roses. With so many options to choose from, you can find an arrangement that matches your personal style and brightens your home.
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