PlantFiles: Canada Goldenrod
Solidago canadensis

Our native Goldenrods (about 100 species) are THE primary nectar source used by eastern Monarch butterflies on their southbound migration to Mexico in the fall. Long ignored because of the mistaken belief that they cause hayfever, they can be hard to find but please plant them! Canada goldenrod volunteers in many areas and spreads by rhyzomes, so it can be too aggressive for small gardens. In this case consider some of the other species that do not have rhyzomes. Combine any of them with with ironweed and asters for beautiful fall purple and gold--and loads of butterflies!

Unfairly accused of tormenting hayfever sufferers, Goldenrod isn't given the credit it deserves. It's a wonderful native plant that has few pests or diseases, grows well in nearly all conditions and gives a long lasting show of bright blooms.

It's at home in your garden, or along the roadside, and widespread through the whole country...covering just about all of the zones.

Gardeners ought to give it another look when deciding what to plant.

Goldenrod makes a great "filler" for dried flower arrangements. Flowers must be cut when about 3/4 of the florets are opened and the flower is bright yellow. Gather cut stems into bunches and secure with a rubber band, then hang upside down in a dark airy place until dried - about 1 week. May be sprayed with a floral paint when either just cut or when dry to help preserve color if you wish.

We grow goldenrod down the perimeter of our yard and enjoy it's gracefulness and beauty in late summer. When you're cutting - watch out for the bees, they love it too!

This plant grows much taller than stated above. I just took a photo of one that is 5 feet tall and 3 feet (or more) wide. It is a wonderful plant that brightens the late summer and fall landscape. There is a dwarf form named 'Golden Baby' that is very compact and attains a height between 18 and 24 inches which is suitable for containers and the smaller landscape. I just saw it for the first time yesterday at my favorite nursery. It is a hybrid which does not occur as a native in any region. The blooms are much smaller and the plumes of course are much smaller, but it still has great impact. The more I think about it, the more I want one of the dwarf forms. I am posting a photo now.

I like Canadian Goldenrod's bright yellow flowers in autumn. It's also a quick spreader allowing you to have more plants in a short period of time. Likes full sun and a moist,well-drained soil. pokerboy.

I love the look of Goldenrod. In the Fall together with purple Aster and the white Heath Aster it presents a beautiful sight. Mine just appeared in my garden courtesy of the wind or the birds, thank you Mother Nature.

Goldenrod is cultivated in cooler regions, and used in floral arrangements. I love the visual effect of those tiny golden flowers, but it´s a shame that it can´t be cultivated here in Rio de Janeiro.

Goldenrod does NOT cause hay fever. Some species are highly ornamental, including this one.