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Jessie Keith
Asteraceae
Solidago canadensis
Canadian Goldenrod
One of the most common goldenrods for late-summer and fall, Canadian goldenrod is a North America perennial known for its tall stems of fluffy, golden flowers. It has a very wide distribution, from northern Mexico up to the far reaches of Canada and Alaska, so it should come as no surprise that populations are variable in hardiness and appearance. There are numerous natural varieties that vary in size, stem hairiness, leaf texture and flowerhead size. Natural populations tend to favor open sites such as meadows, old fields, savannas, roadsides and prairies.
The tall, upright stems of Canadian goldenrod are lined with rich green leaves. These are elongated and lanceolate with smooth edges. Plants tend to spread via rhizomes and eventually form substantial clumps. The feathery golden flowerheads may be elongated and upright or large, dense and arching. They consist of many tiny composite flowers and are visited by a huge array of insect pollinators from butterflies to bees and beetles. The fluffy fruits/seeds are spread by wind and provide winter food to songbirds.
Canadian goldenrod needs a full to partial sun and grows best in average soil with average to good drainage. Established plants will tolerate periods of drought. Plants tend to self-sow, so this native wildflower is best placed in a naturalistic garden setting. The flowers are great for cutting and look perfect in fall arrangements. In some parts Europe and Asia, Canadian goldenrod is considered an alien invasive.
9 - 1
3 - 9
A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Perennial
Full Sun, Partial Sun
1'-5' / 0.3m - 1.5m
6"-12" / 15.2cm - 30.5cm
Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
North America, Mexico
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Average
Clay, Loam, Sand
Drought
Medium
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Clump-Forming
Summer, Fall
Showy
Yellow, Gold
White, Tan, Sandy Brown
Green
Dark Green
Yes
No
Single
Matte
Cutflower, Mixed Border, Wildflower
Sometimes
Birds, Butterflies
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