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Canada Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

Canada goldenrod is the classic plume goldenrod of meadows across the continent, a powerhouse of late-season nectar for bees and butterflies. Spreads aggressively by rhizome, ideal for naturalizing. Young leaves and stems are cooked, the seed has served as a last-resort survival food, and the flowers and leaves brew into a tea.

Family

Asteraceae

Type

wildflower

Lifespan

perennial

Height

4–5 ft

Spacing

4–5 ft apart

Light

sun, part shade

Soil moisture

dry

Soil pH

acidic, neutral

Bloom

September, October, November

Bloom colors

yellow

Wildlife value

butterflies, larval host

Caterpillar hosts

~125 butterfly & moth species

Landscape uses

naturalizing

Native states

CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV