Goldenrod: An unfairly maligned, fall-blooming, native perennial

To continue with the theme of fall-blooming perennials established with my article  about chrysanthemums, I’d like to talk about goldenrod. There are several species of goldenrod within the genus Solidago, most of which are native to North and South America. The genus name Solidago comes from the Latin word solidus, meaning to make whole, and is a reference to the medicinal uses of Solidago that were a common practice among many Native American tribes.

Perhaps the most familiar species of goldenrod is Solidago canadensis, which is native throughout much of Canada and the United States. This species of goldenrod is a herbaceous perennial with arching branches and grows to a height of 2 to 6 feet tall, with a width of about 4 to 6 feet. The characteristic golden yellow flowers begin to emerge in August and last through October. As the blooms conclude, brown seed capsules covered in whitish-gray hairs develop. 

Goldenrod has been unfairly maligned as an allergen because of the vague similarity that these seed capsule clusters have to bloom of ragweed, blown pollen of ragwort, and other high allergen plants. In fact, goldenrod produces pollen that is much denser and damper than the light windblown pollen of ragwort and other high-allergen plants, and therefore isn’t particularly of concern in that regard. It is, however, a favorite of bees and other pollinators, and an important one at that, as there are relatively few pollen and nectar sources in the fall compared to spring and summer.

Top left:  ‘Fireworks’ is an especially popular compact cultivar and diminutive species of goldenrod. Bottom left: Solidago flowers and leaves. Photo: David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4. Right: The most familiar species of goldenrod is Solidago canadensis.

Solidago rugosa, or rough goldenrod, is a slightly more compact species, growing 3-4 feet high and wide. The common name, rough goldenrod, refers to the stems lined with stiff hairs. For many gardeners, this compact form is a bit easier to find space for in the landscape, and the floral impact is just as substantial. The cultivar ‘Fireworks’ is especially popular, and is even more diminutive, at about 2-3 tall and wide. The flowers radiate in all directions and resemble a burst of fireworks, hence the name. 
 
All species of goldenrod are fairly adaptable, but prefer full or mostly sunny conditions and average soil. The plant will, however, tolerate drought and low-fertility soils. It can be used in the landscape in natural areas, native gardens, pollinator gardens, and as a companion plant to other fall-blooming plants such as mums and asters. Compact cultivars such as ‘Fireworks’ can be used in edging pathways, in the front of perennial borders or foundations, and even in large containers.  
 
Matthew Stevens is the County Extension Director and Horticulture Agent for North Carolina Cooperative Extension’s Pitt County Center.  If you have questions about this article or gardening in general, please contact the Pitt County Extension Master Gardeners at [email protected] or 252-902-1705.