.png)
The Midas Touch: Why Goldenrod is Garden Gold
Goldenrod has a serious PR problem. For years, it has been the scapegoat for autumn allergies and overlooked as a messy and unremarkable weed by gardeners. But look closer, and you’ll find a plant that is one of the most important players in the late-season garden. Let's clear the air, debunk the myths, and discover why your garden—and the wildlife that visits it—needs the Midas touch of Goldenrod.
There are two misconceptions about goldenrod that keep uninformed gardeners from adding this plant to their landscapes. One being allergies.
Many believe goldenrod is responsible for seasonal allergies, as it’s an easy target with showy blooms summer through fall. Most allergies are in fact caused by plants with windblown pollen, like Ragweed, which blooms at the same time but isn't as easily spotted. Goldenrod’s pollen is very sticky, requires assistance from bees to transfer the pollen from plant to plant, and is not windborne.
The other misconception is that goldenrod is a weed.
To the unfamiliar, goldenrod isn’t much to look at during spring or summer. For the first three-quarters of the growing season, goldenrod focuses on growing multiple stems from rhizomes and only vegetative growth is witnessed. To the bloom-centric gardeners, the colony-forming habit and leafy stalks scream “weed!”, but even the unassuming foliage is providing benefits to wildlife, including habitat and food. There are about 50 species of insects that rely on goldenrod before it even blooms, just by feeding on the stem and leaves while in their larval or nymph form. You’ll often see galls along the stems of goldenrod, and many have reported seeing downy woodpeckers and chickadees feeding on the insects that cause the galls.
Goldenrod blooms late summer and fall, during a period of the growing season after many other plants have bloomed. This provides a much-needed source of nectar and pollen during a window of time where it’s needed most.
Many insects feed on the nectar and pollen, including bees, moths, flies, beetles, wasps, and butterflies, which in turn attracts other insects and birds seeking to feed on these insects. Goldenrod hosts 115 moth and butterfly species as well as specialized bees: Perdita octomaculata, Melissodes fumosus, Colletes simulans and Colletes solidaginis, plus several Andrena species. It’s also a great source of nectar for Monarch butterflies in migration south in autumn. Birds and small mammals will feed on the prolific amount of seeds in late autumn and winter, including squirrels, foxes, raccoons, and opossums.
Goldenrod by the Numbers
Statistic | Impact |
115 | Species of butterflies and moths hosted (that we know of!) |
50+ | Types of insects that use the stems/leaves before it even blooms (that we know of!) |
6 Feet | Height some wild species can reach |
Zero | Amount of Goldenrod pollen typically found in the air |
1.618 (The Golden Ratio) | the closest number that quantifies how the human eye appreciate this gorgeous pollinator plant, known as the Golden Ratio* (A.K.A. it's pretty!) |
Now that we all understand goldenrod’s importance to wildlife, how can we, as stewards and garden-enthusiasts, add it to our landscapes?
Goldenrod is an exceptionally adaptable perennial that thrives in conditions where other plants struggle. Naturally found across prairies, roadsides, forests, and swamps, most species prefer full sun, handle clay or dry soils with ease, and are generally resistant to deer and rabbits. While some straight species can reach up to six feet tall, goldenrod is remarkably low-maintenance once established, making it a reliable performer in tough spots.
When integrating goldenrod into your yard, consider how its size and habit fit your garden goals. Taller, straight species are perfect for naturalizing meadows, lining driveways, or stabilizing slopes where they have space to spread. For a more manicured look, compact cultivars and nativars deliver the same vital pollinator benefits in a garden-friendly size. For the maximum visual and ecological impact, plant goldenrod in sweeps alongside asters and other fall-blooming perennials for a breathtaking color display that fuels pollinators when they need it most!
*Finally, we know it's important, but how about so pretty too!
Many plants and pollinator flowers—like sunflowers, daisies, coneflowers (and goldenrod in the Asteraceae/sunflower family)—grow their petals and seeds in Fibonacci sequences. The ratio between consecutive Fibonacci numbers approximates 1.618 which is known as the Golden Ratio. Brain-imaging studies suggest that the human eye can scan images featuring the Golden Ratio much faster, thus subconsciously registering them as gorgeous, harmonious, and aesthetically pleasing!
So mathematically, our brains like it.
And also just because of its bright yellow golden POP in the landscape—it is just too stunning to pass on! We love it combined with purple fall wildflowers or contrasting with cool blue grasses. However you use it, it's a beauty!
Below are a few of our favorite varieties of goldenrod at Painters Greenhouse. All prefer full sun and are hardy in zones 3-9 with the main variations between them being height, size, habit, and species.
Goldenrod, Grass-Leaved Euthamia [Solidago] graminifolia
(A.k.a. Flat-Top Goldenrod )
This slender, sweeping native will reach 3-5' and 1-2' wide. Spreads vigorously, good for erosion control, meadows, and wilder spaces.
Wrinkleleaf Goldenrod Solidago rugosa
Straight species native growing to 3-5' tall and 2-3' wide. Can tolerate light shade and swampy, wet soil—a good choice for rain gardens!
Stiff Goldenrod Oligoneuron rigidum [Solidago rigida]
Native perennial. 3-5' tall, 2-3' wide. Thrives in a wide range of tough conditions, from clay to sand; beautiful and highly beneficial. Well-behaved clump-forming habit that does not aggressively spread via underground roots.
Showy Goldenrod Solidago speciosa
At 2-3' tall and wide, it's a bit shorter than other straight species natives. Bears upright, dense, club-like yellow flower clusters rather than flat-topped or sideways-arching plumes. The fluffy yellow blooms mid to late summer, truly among the showiest of all goldenrods.
Bog Goldenrod Solidago uliginosa
This native, as its name suggests, thrives in moist to wet soil. Upright, wand-like clusters. Naturally found in marshy areas, wet meadows, and water margins and grows to 2-4' tall and wide.
'Golden Baby' Solidago hybrid
Compact form with strong stems make it a great cut flower. Reaching 18-24” tall and 8-12” wide.
'Spark Plug' Solidago hybrid
Tight and neat habit only reaching 12-18” tall and wide with classic, bright yellow goldenrod blooms. Suitable for smaller spaces or containers.
Short's Goldenrod 'Solar Cascade' Solidago shortii
2-3' tall, 1-2' wide. Cultivar developed as part of an effort to save Short's goldenrod, an endangered species.
Thrives in poor, gravelly, well-drained soils; drought tolerant once established
To find our most current and up to date quantities, varieties, sizes, and prices, check out this season's Growing and Availability Lists:
