Goldenrods get their names from their tall, straight stems topped with pyramidal clusters of golden flowers. Their genus name Solidago means “to make whole”, which is a reference to their historical medicinal use. Native American tribes are reported to have used infusion and compounds of the flowers and roots as emetics, sedatives, and potions for success in gambling and to counteract love charms.

Goldenrod is literally nothing to sneeze at. Although it is often blamed for fall allergies, this is actually caused by ragweed (Ambrosia spp.), which blooms at the same time but has much smaller greenish flowers. Ragweed’s small flowers depend on wind to spread its pollen through the air, as opposed to goldenrod, which is largely insect pollinated.

In fact, goldenrod is a veritable buffet for insects. It is a source of nectar and pollen in late summer/early fall and is visited by long- and short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies and moths. In our area, caterpillars of 114 species of butterflies and moths use goldenrod as a larval host plant. It is an important nectar source for fall migrating Monarch butterflies. Some insects burrow into the stem, causing distinctive round galls to form.

I found it interesting to read that goldenrods release allelopathic chemicals from their roots that inhibit the growth of sugar maple seedlings. They are great at stabilizing soil and are often planted to reduce erosion and revegetate disturbed areas. Goldenrod grows in thick patches, spreading by both rhizome and seed. If attempting to control its spread in a small garden, some sources recommend planting it in a buried pot and cutting spent flowers before they go to seed. If left, seeds are enjoyed by deer and songbirds through the fall and early winter.

Read more below to see if this native is a good choice for your yard!

Bloom Time: August - October 

Height: 2'-6' H 

Cultivation: Most common goldenrod in Virginia. Full to part sun, average moisture, wide variety of soil types, pH 5.5-7.5. Avoid rich or poorly drained soils. Seed can be sown directly outdoors in fall or spring or started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Seeds planted in late fall or early winter will begin to germinate when the temperatures warm the following spring. Sow seeds on the soil surface because they need sunlight to germinate. Fibrous rhizomes can be divided in spring for propagation.