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Goldenrod
Oligoneuron ×bernardii
Overview
Often unfairly blamed for hay fever (ragweed is the true culprit), goldenrod is actually a critical late-season pollinator plant and a native ecological powerhouse. Its brilliant yellow plumes light up fall landscapes and feed migrating butterflies and overwintering bees. Goldenrod has a rich history in herbal medicine and was once so valued that it was exported from America to Europe as a medicinal tea.
Growing Conditions
Hardiness Zones4 — 8
Height1.2m
Spread0.75m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH5.5 — 7.5
Soil TypeAverage, well-drained soil; extremely adaptable
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | May — Jun | Plant in spring; does NOT cause allergies (wind-pollinated ragweed is the culprit) |
| Cold (1-2) | Bloom | Aug — Sep | Late summer bloom; essential food for migrating monarchs |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant in spring; critical late-season pollen source for native bees |
| Cool (3-4) | Bloom | Jul — Oct | Long bloom into fall; pair with asters for late-season color |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant in spring; tolerates poor soil; some species spread aggressively |
| Moderate (5-7) | Bloom | Jul — Oct | Critical fall pollinator plant; over 100 native species |
| Moderate (5-7) | Divide | Mar — Apr | Divide every 3-4 years in spring to control spread |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Plant in late winter/spring |
| Warm (8-9) | Bloom | Aug — Nov | Fall bloom; excellent cut flower |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Nov — Dec | Plant in fall; needs some winter chill to bloom well |
| Hot (10+) | Bloom | Sep — Nov | Late fall bloom |
Uses
Culinary
- Flowers dried for herbal tea with anise-like flavor
- Young leaves cooked as potherbs
Medicinal
- Traditional kidney and urinary tract tonic
- Anti-inflammatory properties for allergies and sinus conditions
- Wound-healing poultice from crushed leaves
Other Uses
- Critical late-season pollinator food source
- Natural dye producing yellow and gold tones
- Prairie and meadow restoration species
