Goldenrods are a powerhouse plant when it comes to pollinators! Goldenrod is an important nectar and seed source for butterflies and small birds in fall when many other plants have finished blooming.
Note: goldenrod does NOT cause hayfever! Ragweed is to blame for that. The pollen of goldenrod is large and sticky so that it adheres to visiting insects. That means it doesn’t become airborne, and won’t travel into your sinuses. Ragweed has lightweight pollen that is easily airborne.
Old Field Goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis)
One of the shortest of the goldenrods, it thrives in poor soil where little else will grow. Long-blooming with stalks that arch out and downward. Also known as Prairie Goldenrod or Field Goldenrod, it grows 1-2’ tall, prefers full sun to part shade, and medium to dry soil.
Kartesz, J.T., The Biota of North America Program (BONAP). 2023. Taxonomic Data Center. (http://www.bonap.net/tdc). Chapel Hill, N.C. [maps generated from Kartesz, J.T. 2023. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP). (in press)]Missouri Goldenrod (Solidago missouriensis)
An early-blooming and low-growing goldenrod with small plumes of yellow flowers crowning the tops of its branches. Although not as aggressive as some goldenrods, it will spread over time. Grows 1-3’ tall, medium to dry soil, full sun.
Kartesz, J.T., The Biota of North America Program (BONAP). 2023. Taxonomic Data Center. (http://www.bonap.net/tdc). Chapel Hill, N.C. [maps generated from Kartesz, J.T. 2023. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP). (in press)]Sweet Goldenrod (Solidago odora)
Crush the leaves of Sweet Goldenrod to enjoy their anise-scented fragrance! The yellow flowers bloom along one side of its arching branches. This goldenrod is clump-forming and doesn’t spread aggressively. Grows 2-3’ tall, prefers full sun to part shade, medium to dry soil.
Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa)
Upright clusters of bright yellow flowers make this a particularly attractive species of goldenrod. Reddish stems reach 2-5’ in height. Prefers medium to dry soil, full sun, will spread over time.
Stiff Goldenrod
Flat topped flowers bloom on stiff stalks that are 2-4’ tall and attract a myriad of butterflies and other pollinators. Leaves turn red in fall. Remove seed heads before seeds are ripe if you don’t want it to self-seed. Fall blooming, full sun, medium to dry soil.
Elmleaf Goldenrod Solidago ulmifolia
Elmleaf Goldenrod is a shade-friendly goldenrod, growing best in dappled shade. Flowers bloom at the top of arching stems attracting bees & butterflies. Can spread both by self-seeding and by rhizomes. Late summer or early fall blooms, grows 1-4’ tall, partial shade, medium to med-dry soil, drought resistant once established.
Blue-stemmed Goldenrod (Solidago caesia)
A goldenrod for the shade garden! Graceful, arching stems are covered with small clusters of bright yellow flowers in late summer. Attracts butterflies and bees. This goldenrod is clump- forming, so it doesn’t spread aggressively like many other goldenrods. Native to eastern Oklahoma. Partial shade, medium to dry soil, up to 3’ in height. AKA Wreath Goldenrod.
