Native Plant Spotlight: Goldenrod

By Jade Greene

To lead up to our April 2 event with Dr. Doug Tallamy, we will highlight a native plant mentioned in one of his books. No matter how small or large your garden space may be, you can make a difference by planting native plants! This month, we are focusing on the flowering plant genus: Goldenrod.

About Goldenrods:

Since there are over 75 species of Solidago, we are lumping them together as Goldenrods. Famous for their yellow-flowering show in the fall time, Goldenrod is a tall, perennial wildflower. Goldenrod has been used by generations of Indigenous Peoples to treat wounds, stings, sore throats, and enjoyed as a tea. A pollinator superstar, Goldenrod supports bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, and beetles and is even a nitrogen fixer, helping boost soil quality!

What organisms do Goldenrod support:

A specialist mining bee feeding on goldenrod (iNaturalist)

According to Dr. Tallamy, Goldenrods support:

• Leaves: 110 species of caterpillars and many species of leaf beetles and June beetles
• Pollen & nectar: 35 bee species, 15 of which use only goldenrod pollen, countless wasp species, beetles (including long-horned, scarab, blister, phalacrid, ripiphorid, and ladybird), moths and butterflies
• Seeds: winter sparrows, juncos, finches
• Stems: housing for native bees and gall insects

The plant is utilized by both generalist and specialist species so everyone benefits by having more Goldenrods around!

Should I plant Arrowwood viburnum in my yard?

Goldenrod in a backyard garden (Gardenlady.com)

YES! Goldenrods thrive in most soil conditions and need lots of sun. They are great for meadow areas and edging, they can become a bit aggressive in rich soils so use caution if planting in garden beds and weed if they become unruly.

These lovely plants are easy to care for and will provide so much for wildlife and you! Find Goldenrods at a native plant nursery near you. Read more about Nature’s Best Hope event on April 2 here!

Sources: 

• Tallamy, Douglas W., Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard. Portland, Oregon, Timber Press, 2019.
• https://extension.psu.edu/goldenrod-not-just-another-pretty-face