Here on the West Coast of California, most of us know goldenrod only as a color of crayon. In most other parts of America though, it is a common wildflower that is colorful enough to be popular in home gardens. Yet, with more than a hundred specie, it is hard to say exactly which goldenrod, (Solidago spp.) the crayon color corresponds to. All are some shade of gold or yellow, but some are a bit more orange than others.
Most varieties of goldenrod that are available locally bloom in late summer or autumn. Some are still blooming prolifically now, on seemingly overloaded stems that stand taller than two feet. Shorter types that get only a few inches tall are probably unavailable. Perennial rhizomes spread slowly but surely, and can be divided to propagate new plants. Goldenrod needs full sun exposure, but not much water once established.
The blooms of goldenrod are just as interesting physiologically as they are colorful. The floral trusses of the most popular types are somewhat conical, but arching from their own weight. Each of these trusses supports a profusion of minute daisy-like flowers, which are actually composite flowers comprised of even smaller and more abundant florets! Bees and butterflies really seem to appreciate the floral redundancy!
A wonderful native! There are 20+ Solidago sp. in this area. One variety that I have planted on my property is Solidago odora that has the sweet smell of anise.
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It is not native here, but increasingly popular. I thought that people who were familiar with it would not like it so much. I have heard bad things about it, in regard to proliferation and pollen.
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I love golden rod…makes a really uplifting essence!
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Now that makes more sense; because with essence, the pollen would not be a problem. (I was sometimes told that is why people within the native range dislike it.)
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Allergy sufferers call it by other names……….
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That is what I heard, but you are the first to mention it here so far. I almost did not want to post this article. I wrote it for this area, where goldenrod is not a problem (yet).
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My son has an awful time with allergies in the fall, from this pollen and a few others. ☹️
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I love the colour of this plant, but have not seen since we left NZ
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Everyone seems to be familiar with it, even in areas where it shouldn’t be. It is new here.
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Solidago can be a bit invasive in our climate, S. ‘Fireworks ‘ is well behaved with delicate arching flower stems which I love as do the pollinators.
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