Canada Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

Pyramidal panicle of small yellow flowers

Photo Credit: Charles T. Bryson, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org

Goldenrod, Canada Solidago canadensis Spire of many bright yellow small flowers

Whorls of long thin leaves climb stems of goldenrod. Fery branching yellow inflorescences at top.

Photo Credit: Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org

Plant Description

Canada goldenrod is a tall, rhizomatous perennial native to much of North America, commonly found in meadows, prairies, roadsides, and disturbed sites. It grows 3–6 feet tall, with lance-shaped leaves and dense, plume-like clusters of tiny yellow flowers that bloom in late summer to fall. The abundant blossoms provide a critical late-season nectar and pollen source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Ecologically, Canada goldenrod plays an important role in supporting pollinator networks and stabilizing soils in open habitats. It can spread aggressively in some locations.

Plant Details

Life Forms	Forb
Habitats	Bottomland forests Farm fields Fencelines Floodplains Forest edges Forest openings Forest understories Forests Gardens Grasslands Little Habitats Marshes Meadows Mixed hardwood-conifer forests Parklands Prairies Residential yards Riparian areas Riparian forests Roadsides Seeps Trailsides Wet prairies Woodlands
Soil and Moisture Conditions	Moist
Special Uses	Attracts birds Attracts pollinators and or other beneficial insects Blooms August Blooms July Blooms September-October Deciduous Flowering Flowers yellow Hedgerow Herbaceous Ornamental Perennial Produces nectar Produces pollen Produces seeds Provides soil stabilization Provides wildlife habitat Restoration/revegetation
Shade Preference	Full sun Part shade
Mature Height	2-6'