Solidago canadensis

Common Names

Canadian Goldenrod, Canada Goldenrod, Goldenrod, Tall Goldenrod, Meadow Goldenrod, Common Goldenrod

Summary

Solidago canadensis is a native North American, rhizomatous perennial that forms upright clumps and dense patches, growing about 25–250 cm tall with lance-shaped, finely haired leaves. It features broad pyramidal panicles of golden-yellow flowers that bloom from July to October, with inflorescences containing 10–17 ray florets surrounding disc florets, and the showy blooms attract bees and butterflies. The species has been introduced to Europe and China and is often invasive outside its native range, capable of forming monocultures in disturbed habitats.

In cultivation it favors full sun to partial shade and tolerates a wide range of soils from dry to moist, provided they are well-drained; it spreads by rhizomes and seed, forming large colonies, so management may include regular division every 2–3 years and deadheading to reduce self-seeding. It provides nectar for pollinators and is used in rangeland revegetation, mine-spoil reclamation, and soil stabilization; pest and disease concerns include rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spot in humid conditions, and it can be considered a weed in some habitats, requiring local guidance for control.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-6 feet

Spread

12-19.5 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full Sun.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil.

Soil pH

6.0-8.0, Neutral soil is ideal

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Summer and Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Stem cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds