Solidago, aka ‘Goldenrod’
Goldenrod, an ecological powerhouse, should be at the top of your native pollinator plant list. A magnet for native bees and insects, solidago hosts over 180 species of caterpillars, aka ‘bird food’. Their seeds heads feed the birds in winter, and their roots control rainwater runoff, replenishing our water tables and capturing essential nutrients which build soil.
No other plant extends the late autumn into early winter color in the natural landscape as well as goldenrod. When every other perennial and flowering shrub has been depleted, solidago continues to produce vital pollen and nectar until the first killing frost. Here in southern NH in zone 5b, that could be as late as Thanksgiving.
Designing with goldenrod:
There are many native varieties of goldenrod, each are drought resistant and sport a distinct growth habit. For my money, ‘Fireworks’ can not be beat. It creates a sturdy, upright growth habit with gently cascading foliage that remains green and lovely all summer. Then in late September through October, it bursts into color just when the rest of the garden has faded. Pair it with purple foliage plants like penstemon digitalis for a stunning fall color combo.
goldenrod cultivars:
‘Fireworks’, delicate, arching stems with cascading bloom (see image at top of this page), growing to about 40” x 40”
‘Golden Fleece’ is more compact in stature, about 15” x 15”
‘Blue-stemmed’ can handle part shade; yellow blooms on arching blue-green stems, growing about 30” x 30”
common myth:
No, goldenrod does not cause hay-fever. That would be ragweed which blooms at a similar time and whose pollen is wind-borne, causing allergic reactions. Goldenrod has evolved to produce sticky pollen which is transferred from plant to plant on the hairs of our native bees.
Plant type: perennial, native to North America
Growing Conditions: full to part sun; dry to average moisture
Size: from 12” to over 4’ tall
Spread: Each variety has a different spread and growth habit
Bloom: late September to November
Foliage: persists into November
Maintenance: none, leave dried seed heads for fall and winter interest
Biodiversity: bees, moths and butterflies
Host Plant: for 181 species of caterpillars, including Northern Metalmark, White-M Hairstreak, Goldenrod Gall Moth
Pairings: amsonia hubrichtii, purple-leaf penstemon, echinacea, agastache, bee balm
Location: front of border with lots of space to accommodate arching stems and cascading blooms
Sourcing: available through The Big Little Garden
I have grown a few different varieties of goldenrod, finally settling on ‘Fireworks’. I find it better suited to my east facing garden bed where it plays well with its neighbors. It commands a front of the border presence, its green, lacy foliage blending in well with early blooming plants like allium and trollius. When it bursts into bloom in late September, it commands all the pollinator attention, living up to its name ‘Fireworks’ as seen below.
