Solidago canadensis
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GOLDEN ROD
Family: Asteraceae
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
North America.
Plant Group:
Perennial herb.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: All.
USDA zones:
Mature size:
Height: 2-5 feet(40-150 cm).
Width: 3 feet (91 cm).
Flowering period:
Late summer into fall.
Flowering attributes:
Plume-like sprays of bright golden yellow flowers.
Leaf attributes:
Saw-toothed lance shaped green leaves.
Growth habit:
Creeping.
Light:
Full sun.
Soil:
Dryish to well-drained soil.
Feeding:
Please don't feed the goldenrods.
Propagation Methods:
Sow seed in late winter to spring. | Divide in early spring.
Rainy Side Notes
Solidago behaves itself better in dry, poor soil. The color burst of golden yellow in late summer is dramatic. Mine grow 5 feet tall and are neglected except to curb it's wandering habit and cut the dead stalks down in winter. Easy to start from seed.
It is widely believed that Goldenrod causes hayfever. It blooms at about the same time as ragweed. Since goldenrod's flowers are quite noticeable, it gets the blame instead of the less conspicuous ragweed.
Good plant for the drought garden. The bees swarm it while it is in bloom.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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