Golden Rod Solidago

Solidago, or Goldenrod, is a genus of herbaceous perennials in the aster family with up to 120 species and numerous cultivars. Goldenrod is easy to grow in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. It is a very forgiving plant and tolerates poor, dry soils, clay, and drought. It displays small, bright yellow flowers in dense clusters on top of tall stems from July through September and additional blooming is encouraged if you deadhead spent flower clusters. The plant naturalizes quickly in the garden and it may be advisable to divide it every two or three years to control spread.

Goldenrod is sometimes confused with ragweed and wrongly accused of bearing the wind-borne ragweed pollen that causes allergies and hay fever.

Goldenrod hybrids and cultivars are very popular perennials in Europe, and becoming so here and their color and form combine well with blue wood asters (Symphyotrichum cordifolium) and hardy ageratum (Coloclinium coelestinum). 

Propagation is accomplished with wind-driven seeds or by division of underground rhizomes. Some species produce abundant nectar when moisture is plentiful, or when the weather is warm and thus attract bees and butterflies. It is also deer resistant.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This plant has no serious insect or disease problems; however, rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spot may occur.