Grow Goldenrod for Late Season Color and Pollinator Power

Many people avoid goldenrod due to two common misconceptions: it causes hay fever and spreads aggressively; however, most native goldenrods tend to be noninvasive plants that remain under control.

Select clump-forming varieties such as Canada or grayleaf for manicured gardens, while more natural settings would benefit from Missouri or showy goldenrod, among other rhizomatous varieties such as Missouri goldenrod. Use it alongside native grasses and asters for an effective late season planting that supports local wildlife.

Planting

Goldenrod can be found throughout meadows, roadside plantings and even manicured garden beds. Due to its prolific growth, longevity and pollinator-attracting attributes it may have earned itself the label “weed,” however this robust plant deserves its place in any landscape.

Solidago altissima and S. rigida are among the many native plants that will do well in USDA hardiness zones 2-8, whether as classic old field species or drought-tolerant varieties like “Stiff Goldenrod.” Both thrive under full sunlight while tolerating diverse soil conditions from light sandy or loamy to heavy clay as long as there is good drainage; some even tolerate partial shade for added versatility in woodland gardens where these species belong.

Goldenrods typically spread by either clump-forming crowns or underground runners known as rhizomes. Clump-forming varieties tend to be more controlled, and thus better suited for manicured gardens or smaller spaces; on the other hand, rhizomatous varieties are more aggressive, and may spread too aggressively for some gardeners’ liking; therefore it may be wiser to plant such varieties near physical barriers or naturalistic garden settings where their presence will be welcome; to maintain more contained looks trim back rhizomatous goldenrods in spring or fall by cutting them back down just above ground level for best results.

These perennials can be grown easily from seed, either outdoors in fall or spring or indoors 6-8 weeks prior to the last frost date. Plant seeds 1-3 feet apart depending on variety and mature size – early spring or fall planting allows roots to get established before winter arrives and require less supplemental irrigation later on. Water regularly until established before gradually decreasing frequency.

Goldenrods require little care, but require occasional maintenance to remain beautiful. Avoid fertilizing them as this leads to leggy green growth with few flowers; divide any clumps that start taking over the garden every two or three years; deadhead faded flower heads promptly for maximum self-seeding prevention.

Care

Goldenrod, a showy native North American perennial often mistaken as a mere weed, provides much more than initially meets the eye. During its blooming period, this stunning native North American perennial produces profusions of yellow flowers in long wand-like clusters on arching stems that bloom beautifully during bloom time. Furthermore, this tall drought-tolerant plant has been used medicinally to treat wounds, mouth and throat inflammation, tuberculosis, arthritis and diabetes among other medical issues.

These plants are easy to cultivate and require little care once established. Sow seeds in early spring or fall for seeds grown from seeds; use nursery-grown plants instead? Dug out two holes twice the depth of their rootball for transplanting purposes, keeping the soil evenly moist until new growth appears.

Fireworks hybrids and other varieties tend to be forgiving when it comes to soil conditions, preferring dry to medium sites with good drainage. Since different species have adapted to many growing environments from sunny meadows and salty seaside habitats to soggy bogs and humid wetlands – it is essential that you select one suitable for your climate when selecting varieties for planting.

Goldenrods can quickly outcompete other plants with their rapid spread via wind-dispersed seeds and underground rhizomes, quickly outcompeting any competitors in a garden setting. For a more controlled look, choose clump-forming varieties or plant them near physical barriers for easier management; or choose spreading varieties by periodically dividing their clumps to control vigor.

Goldenrods play an essential role in providing habitat for migrating butterflies and bees, stabilizing soil by mining nutrients while improving texture, moisture retention and texture retention. Furthermore, their pollen provides essential protein, fats, minerals and other elements necessary to support these migrating insects.

Plants are keystone species for their environment, creating the backbone of grassland and wetland ecosystems they call home. Their presence marks an integral part of landscape design; we can all play our part by cultivating these hardy yet resilient species.

Pollinators

Goldenrods are one of the most important native fall blooming plants for local wildlife. Not only do they attract bees and butterflies as pollinators, they provide food sources for migrating songbirds late season food sources as well as contributing to native ecosystems with late season color that blends beautifully with various asters species that also bloom at this time of year. Goldenrods make great additions to your garden and benefit both native ecosystems and the fauna that call your area home!

Some gardeners may shy away from goldenrod due to its name being synonymous with “hay fever,” though it should not cause such symptoms. Confusion may arise since goldenrod often blooms around the same time as ragweed which has long been linked with allergies; unlike its pollen however, goldenrod pollen spreads via bees collecting nectar from its flowers rather than wind.

At home in the North Country, we’re fortunate to be blessed with many hardy varieties of goldenrod. From grass-leaved to showy varieties native to Ohio and Missouri, these natives add beauty and interest in both sunny and shady locations. Choose from clump-forming cultivars like Canada grass-leaved goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) to more aggressive spreading wildflowers like Canada grass-leaved goldenrod (Solidago canadensis).

Blue-stemmed and zigzag goldenrod are suitable options for shaded spots, while gray (Solidago nemoralis), Ohio and showy goldenrod thrive in sunnier areas. All are easy-care perennials that tolerate various soil types ranging from heavy clay to sandy or rocky conditions. Clump-forming cultivars make ideal choices for manicured garden beds, while rhizomatous varieties work better in naturalized settings where they can spread more freely. For drought tolerance and moisture conservation purposes, consider stiff goldenrod (Solidago rigida). Flowerheads may gradually fade to orange and yellow before falling off in winter, which won’t pose any major problems as their seeds won’t be viable after drying out. As their stems brown they create natural mulch which protects against erosion while keeping soil rich and loamy.

Harvest

As temperatures cool and goldenrod blooms fade, its seeds produce abundant winter food for birds as well as being dried for use in herbal medicine.

Goldenrod contains many antioxidants, particularly quercetin and kaempferol which may help protect against cancer as well as other health conditions. Furthermore, goldenrod contains saponins with antifungal properties which may provide pain relief and swelling relief.

Goldenrod, native to our region, has long been an indispensable component of garden beds across the state. The blooms provide nectar sources for pollinators preparing to migrate south – especially monarch butterflies who rely heavily on late blooming plants like goldenrod to fill their nectar tanks on long journeys southward.

Though goldenrods may sometimes be mistaken for ragweed and mistakenly blamed for seasonal allergies, their true nature cannot be more distinct. While ragweed pollinates via wind-pollination and releases millions of pollen grains which wreak havoc with those suffering from hay fever, goldenrods produce weighty pollen grains which are eaten up by bees, wasps, flies and other insects which pollinate it instead.

At this time of year, goldenrod pairs well with other garden perennials like asters, sedums, milkweed and coneflowers. Furthermore, it makes an excellent companion for perennial chrysanthemums.

As with most wildflowers, goldenrods require minimal care and maintenance. Avoid fertilizing them as this will promote leggy growth and decrease flower production. Divide rhizomatous varieties every two or three years during spring thaw to keep them from spreading too far, and deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

Harvesting seeds is easy; for maximum efficiency, hang them upside down to dry in direct sunlight for approximately a week before storing or sowing. Be aware that moist seeds have less chance of germinating.

If you prefer not to wait for goldenrods to self-seed, young plants can be purchased from garden centers or online. Direct sowing may work too; for optimal results cold stratify or place in the fridge for 90 days prior to sowing them directly.