Matthew Stevens: Goldenrod an option for your fall garden

To continue with the theme of fall-blooming perennials established with my article last week about chrysanthemums, this week I’d like to talk about goldenrod. There are several species of goldenrod within the genus Solidago, most of which are native to North and South America. The genus name Solidago comes from the Latin word “solidus,” meaning “to make whole,” and is a reference to the medicinal uses of Solidago that were a common practice among many Native American tribes.

Perhaps the most familiar species of goldenrod is Solidago canadensis, which is native throughout much of Canada and the United States. This species of goldenrod is a herbaceous perennial with arching branches and grows to a height of 2 to 6 feet tall, with a width of about 4 to 6 feet. The characteristic golden-yellow flowers begin to emerge in August and last through October. As the blooms conclude, brown seed capsules covered in whitish-gray hairs develop.

Because of the vague similarity that these seed capsule clusters have to the bloom of ragweed, goldenrod has been unfairly maligned as an allergen. Goldenrod, however, produces pollen that is much denser and damper than the light wind-blown pollen of ragwort and other high-allergen plants, and therefore isn’t particularly of concern in that regard. It is, however, a favorite of bees and other pollinators, and an important one at that, as there are relatively few pollen and nectar sources in the fall compared to spring and summer.

Solidago rugosa, or rough goldenrod, is a slightly more compact species, growing 3-4 feet high and wide. The common name refers to the stems lined with stiff hairs. For many gardeners, this compact form is a bit easier to find space for in the landscape, and the floral impact is just as substantial. The cultivar “Fireworks” is especially popular and is even more diminutive, at about 2-3 feet tall and wide. The flowers radiate in all directions and resemble a burst of fireworks, hence the name.

All species of goldenrod are fairly adaptable but prefer full or mostly sunny conditions and average soil. It will, however, tolerate drought and low-fertility soils. It can be used in the landscape in natural areas, native gardens, pollinator gardens and as a companion plant to other fall-blooming plants such as mums and asters. Compact cultivars like “Fireworks” can be used in edging pathways, in the front of perennial borders or foundations, and even in large containers.