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Late Goldenrod

Solidago gigantea

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Category
Forb / Wildflower
Sun
Full to Shade
Soil moisture
Wet to Medium
Bloom time
Aug–Sep
Bloom color
Yellow
Notes
Aggressive, Rhizomatous

About Late Goldenrod

Late Goldenrod, also known as Giant Goldenrod, is a majestic powerhouse of the late-summer landscape. Reaching heights of 2 to 6 feet, this perennial features smooth, often purplish stems topped with dense, arching plumes of brilliant yellow flowers that bloom from August through October. Its lance-shaped leaves are sharply toothed, providing a lush backdrop to the golden inflorescences. Native across much of North America, it thrives in moist to wet soils, including prairies, marshes, and woodland edges, though it is remarkably adaptable to various garden settings. Late Goldenrod is a critical resource for pollinators, attracting a diverse array of bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects during a time when other nectar sources are scarce. It also provides essential cover for small wildlife. In the garden, it is best suited for larger naturalized areas where its vigorous, rhizomatous growth can be appreciated. It prefers full sun to light shade and is an excellent choice for stabilizing soil in wet areas or adding vertical interest to a meadow planting.

Native range

Native to 48 states:

AlabamaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutD.C.DelawareFloridaGeorgiaIowaIdahoIllinoisIndianaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMassachusettsMarylandMaineMichiganMinnesotaMissouriMississippiMontanaNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNebraskaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNevadaNew YorkOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVirginiaVermontWashingtonWisconsinWest VirginiaWyoming

County range map

BONAP county-level native range map for Solidago gigantea

Range map courtesy of BONAP (Biota of North America Program).

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