Solidago juncea

Common Names

Early Goldenrod, Goldenrod, Plume Goldenrod

Summary

Early Goldenrod is a herbaceous perennial native to eastern North America that grows 2–4 ft tall with stiff, unbranched central stems and narrow lance-shaped leaves; it forms dense, plume-like panicles of small bright yellow flowers on arching stems, a distinctive display that attracts bees and butterflies; it spreads by rhizomes to form colonies and is drought-tolerant, thriving in dry to medium-moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade.

In cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade and dry to medium-moisture, well-drained soils, tolerates poor or dry soils, and is hardy in USDA zones 3–8; to manage spread, divide clumps every two years; it is deer resistant, attracts bees and butterflies, and supports birds with seeds, making it suitable for meadows, native or pollinator gardens, and prairie restorations; problems can include leaf rust or powdery mildew late in the season.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-4 feet

Spread

2-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil of any texture (loam, clay, sand, or gravel) as long as mesic to slightly dry.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil.

Soil pH

6.5-6.5, Acidic to neutral, Adaptable

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Summer to Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Division, Seeds

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds