The beauty and benefits of goldenrod
As summer submits to autumn, great swaths of goldenrod light up the fields across Butler County with their vibrant yellow blooms.
This striking display is not the only benefit of this prolific plant. It also plays a crucial role in supporting pollinators and enriching our ecosystems. Whether you are simply enjoying the view or considering it for your garden, this native perennial deserves a closer look.
There are many types of goldenrod (Solidago spp.) native to Pennsylvania, including Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), wrinkled-leaf goldenrod (Solidago rugosa) and silverrod (Solidago bicolor), whose delicate white flowers stand out among its golden relatives. Other species, like stiff goldenrod (Solidago rigida) and zigzag goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis), bring unique textures and growth habits to wild landscapes and home gardens. These resilient plants thrive in a variety of conditions, and their nectar-rich blooms provide essential late-season food for bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.
Beyond their beauty and pollinator benefits, goldenrod’s deep root systems help stabilize soil, making them an excellent choice for reducing erosion, especially on hillsides or areas prone to runoff. In gardens with uneven terrain or slopes, goldenrod’s robust roots help anchor the soil and prevent it from washing away during heavy rains. This adds a functional aspect to their value, making them not only a dramatic beauty but also a practical solution for erosion control.
However, not all goldenrod species are equally suited for home gardens. Some, like Canada goldenrod and wrinkled-leaf goldenrod, can spread aggressively. These species thrive in open meadows and roadsides, where their underground rhizomes allow them to rapidly colonize large areas. In a garden setting, they can quickly outgrow their space and become difficult to control. For gardeners seeking a more balanced, manageable option, less aggressive species may be more appropriate.
Several goldenrod varieties are better suited to home gardens. Silverrod (Solidago bicolor), with its striking white blooms, offers a more subdued presence in the garden. Stiff goldenrod (Solidago rigida) is another excellent choice, with its compact, upright growth habit and bright yellow flowers. Zigzag goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis), named for its uniquely angled stems, is ideal for shadier gardens and tends to be less aggressive than its meadow-loving relatives. For a showier option, wrinkled-leaf goldenrod “Fireworks” (Solidago rugosa “Fireworks”) produces a stunning burst of bright blooms, but is much less invasive. Another great option is “Golden Fleece” (Solidago sphacelata “Golden Fleece”), a compact cultivar that brings the benefits of goldenrod’s late-season blooms without overtaking the garden.
To create a colorful late-season garden, goldenrod pairs beautifully with other native plants that bloom around the same time. New England asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) offer purple to lavender flowers with yellow centers, while smooth ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis) adds striking purple blooms that complement goldenrod’s bright yellow. Together, they form a vibrant autumn display that also supports pollinators.
Despite its many benefits, goldenrod is often misunderstood due to its timing. Because it blooms at the same time as ragweed, it’s frequently blamed for causing seasonal allergies. In reality, goldenrod’s pollen is heavy and sticky, relying on insects for pollination, while ragweed’s lightweight pollen is what causes sneezing fits. Once gardeners understand this difference, they can better appreciate goldenrod’s role in the landscape for its beauty and ecological importance.
Whether you choose a large meadow variety or a more compact, garden-friendly species, goldenrod is a valuable addition to any landscape. It helps pollinators, reduces erosion on hillsides and adds a burst of color to the fall garden. With careful selection, goldenrod can work in both large and small spaces, bringing beauty and benefits wherever it grows.
If you have questions about goldenrod, call the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Butler County Garden Hotline at 724-287 4761, ext. 7, or email the Master Gardeners at butlermg@psu.edu.
Danielle Fannin is a Penn State Extension Butler County Master Gardener.
