Updated on Jul. 03, 2025
I can't imagine my fall garden without the bright yellow flowers of goldenrod attracting pollinators hungry for nectar before cold weather arrives.
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Did you know there are over 100 species of goldenrod native to the United States? While you can often spot this blooming fall plant in the wild each fall, growing goldenrod is a passion among many avid gardeners.
“Goldenrod is a staple in the perennial garden because it is a tough native perennial that adds fall colour and supports pollinators,” explains Mary Jane Duford, a certified Master Gardener and founder of Home for the Harvest. “They bloom late in the season, giving bees, butterflies, and other beneficial creatures a source of nectar and pollen in late summer and into fall.”
Intrigued by this native plant’s bright yellow color or benefits to our ecosystem? Consider this your guide to growing goldenrod, including tips for planting, pruning, and watering.
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Goldenrod refers to the flowers in the plant genus Solidago. If you encounter goldenrod in a field or along the roadside, it’s a weed. But many gardeners purposely plant goldenrod because it’s a native plant that comes with natural benefits for both gardeners and the environment.
Goldenrod blooms in late summer through late fall, depending on the variety. When blooming, goldenrod attracts many pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which boosts biodiversity and supports other wildlife. Native plants also are easier to maintain once established since they require little (if any) watering and fertilizing.
There are several types of goldenrod and each is unique. “Some types of goldenrod can spread aggressively and take over garden beds, especially in harsh summer conditions that might be tough for other perennials,” Duford says. “This can be beneficial in rewilding and meadow landscaping, but might not be preferable for gardeners with limited space who would like to get quite a few different perennials into their garden bed.”
But not all types of goldenrod spread aggressively. “The key is choosing a species or cultivar that suits your needs,” Duford says. “One top choice is the cultivar ‘Goldenmosa,’ which is known for being compact, low-maintenance, and attractive late into autumn.”
With this in mind, these are a few favorite goldenrod varieties that have been cultivated and made available for home gardeners in particular:
Goldenrod is usually purchased as a growing plant. It can be planted anytime, but most often in spring or fall. Most goldenrod does best in full sun and well-drained soil. When planting, remember that it can spread via underground roots called rhizomes, so give it room to grow:
“If you’re dealing with an existing goldenrod plant that is looking leggy, you can certainly prune it,” Duford says. “This helps shape the plant, manage its size, and encourage more flowers. Cutting the stems early in the growing season will also help prevent flopping and keep the plant looking tidy.”
Additionally, when a clump of goldenrod starts to encroach on other plants, you can remove outer stems. Pulling these out and cutting them off as they emerge in early spring doesn’t damage the plant.
Yes. Goldenrod seeds need a period of cold to germinate, via a process called stratification. You do this by putting them in a refrigerator for 60 days. You also can sow seeds outdoors in late fall where they will naturally stratify in cold weather, or try winter sowing them.
No, it is not recommended to dig up goldenrod to re-plant at your home. In light of how aggressive some varieties can be, you’ll likely be happier in the long run with some of the named varieties selected for cultivated gardens. Plus, if you aren’t familiar with the different species of goldenrod, you could be disturbing one that is endangered in the wild.
Contrary to popular belief, that’s unlikely. When hay fever sufferers look to see what’s blooming and causing their symptoms, they often mistake goldenrod for ragweed, Duford says. People also often notice goldenrod’s bright yellow flowers and think of pollen allergies. But goldenrod pollen is so heavy and sticky that it’s generally not airborne.
The cause of hay fever is more likely ragweed, which blooms at the same time as goldenrod. It has small green flowers, and the wind spreads its light pollen.
Some varieties of wild goldenrod are considered invasive due to their aggressive growth habits. But as mentioned, there are many commonly cultivated types of goldenrod that are less aggressive and recommended for gardners.
Typically, goldenrod is not grown in containers. “These are larger plants that are typically more useful in the landscape than in a pot,” Duford says. “I prefer goldenrod planted in the landscape where it can act as a piece of the overall puzzle, adding texture, colour, and form to a well-planned perennial bed.”
That said, container planting can help limit goldenrod’s spread and keep it from crowding other plants. “If I were to grow goldenrod in a container, I would choose a compact cultivar and plant it in a large pot with ample drainage holes and soil that doesn’t retain much moisture, like a succulent potting mix,” Duford says.
Mary Jane Duford is a certified Master Gardener, permaculture garden designer, and founder of the gardening website, Home for the Harvest. Her background as a civil engineer brings a scientific perspective to plant care and soil management.
