October Plant of the Month: Goldenrod

Submitted by the Bath Gamma Garden Club

The bright yellow blooms of goldenrod are a perfect complement to the fall color palette. Contrary to common belief, goldenrod pollen does not contribute to hay fever or allergy symptoms because it is too sticky to be airborne.

Goldenrod is a stunning fall bloomer of about 100 to 120 species of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family. Most are herbaceous perennial species found in open areas such as meadows, prairies and savannas. Most species are native to North America. The blooms begin in late summer and continue through mid-October.

Most species prefer sunny meadows, however there are some that grow in sheltered woodlands and boggy areas. They range in height from 1 to 6 feet. Research the variety that fits your area the best.

The goldenrod variety solidago rugosa, known as ‘fireworks,’ received the highest ratings in a 5-year trial conducted by the Chicago Botanic Gardens. It produces long arching flower spikes that cascade from the plant like bright yellow fireworks and puts on a show until the first frost. They are a shorter variety with a range of 2½ to 3 feet.  Another species that is compact and showy is the Ohio goldenrod, solidago ohioensis.

Goldenrods are deer resistant and unaffected by disease and insect problems. The foliage may be susceptible to powdery mildew depending on the conditions. They thrive in average soil with good drainage. Avoid overly rich soil. There is no need to fertilize, as this only produces leggy plants and fewer blooms. They are great for cutting and adding to fall bouquets.

All goldenrods support a host of pollinator and insect activity. A couple of interesting moths – the Wavy-Lined Emerald and Green Leuconycta – use goldenrod as a larval host, as do numerous other smaller moths.

Goldenrods grow from either clump-forming crowns or by rhizomes. Clump-forming types are better suited for manicured garden beds and borders because they won’t spread aggressively. Plant the more rambunctious rhizomatous types where you can contain their spread or in a naturalistic garden setting where they will be less intrusive. You can also remove seed heads after flowering to help contain the plants. Divide clumps in spring.

Like many wildflowers, goldenrod is easy to grow from seed, which can be sown directly outdoors in fall or spring or started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date. If you plant the seeds in late fall or early winter, they will begin to germinate when the temperatures warm the following spring. No matter when you plant your seeds, be sure to sow them on the soil surface because they need sunlight to germinate.

The Native Americans referred to the goldenrod as “sun medicine” because of its bright color and medicinal qualities. The intense color of their flower pigments has long been used to dye yarn. ∞

Photo: Goldenrod. Photo submitted.