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Canada Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

Also listed as Aster canadensis, Doria canadensis

Also known as Canadian Goldenrod, Goldenrod

herbaceous☀️ full sun💧 low water❄ Hardy: Zone 2b – Zone 9b

Climate Match for your location

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A native North American wildflower with tall stems topped by dense clusters of small golden-yellow flowers that bloom late summer through fall. It's vigorous and drought-tolerant, making it excellent for naturalized areas, though it can spread aggressively.

Why grow it

Canada goldenrod offers reliable late-season color when many other perennials are fading, with better drought tolerance than many competing fall bloomers. It requires minimal soil preparation and maintenance compared to hybrid ornamental goldenrods, making it practical for low-input gardens and habitat restoration. The dense flower clusters attract pollinators and beneficial insects during a critical season when food sources are scarce.

Watch out for

In moist, fertile soils this species can outcompete nearby plantings through rhizomatous spread, so establishing clear boundaries or choosing contained planting areas helps manage its vigor. Deadheading before seed set may be necessary if you wish to prevent volunteer seedlings in adjacent beds.

Overview

Form
Upright
Growth Rate
fast
Size
1.5–3.5′ tall × 1–3′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous
Family
Asteraceae
EdibleMedicinalDynamic accumulatorBiomass and mulchPollinators & beneficial insects

Native to the United States

Native Range

Eastern North America

Native to: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SummerFall

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Companion Planting

Plants well with