1 named cultivar

‘Golden Fleece’Golden Fleece Solidago Solidago Golden Fleece

perennialN. America Native

Solidago Solidago

The Story

Plant Bio

Solidago sphacelata, autumn goldenrod, is a native perennial of the eastern United States forming a basal rosette of heart-shaped leaves on long winged stalks. Arching multi-branched stems rise one to three feet and carry one-sided sprays of tiny golden flowers in late summer and autumn, followed by bristle-tipped seed that carries on the wind.

Goldenrod does not cause hay fever — its pollen is heavy and insect-carried, and it simply happens to flower at the same time as ragweed, which is the real culprit. This species is far tidier than the roadside goldenrods, forming a neat arching mound rather than a six-foot thicket, and it tolerates dry shade where most goldenrods will not.

Uses & Benefits:

Arching one-sided sprays of gold in autumn over a neat heart-shaped basal rosette.

Compact and well-behaved compared with roadside goldenrods, and tolerant of dry shade.

A major late nectar source for bees and butterflies, larval host to the wavy-lined emerald moth, and seed for songbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern United States

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in full sun or partial shade.
Give it any reasonably drained soil, including dry.
Water while establishing, then rarely.
Do not feed; lean soil keeps it compact.
Leave the seedheads standing for birds.
Cut back in late winter and divide if congested.

Pro Tip

It tolerates dry shade, which almost no other goldenrod does — that makes it useful under trees where late colour is scarce.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Use it for late-season colour 🌼
Try it in dry shade under trees 🌳
Leave seedheads for songbirds 🐦
Cut back in late winter ✂️

Don't

Blame it for your hay fever ❌
Feed it — it flops ❌
Cut it down in autumn ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Enjoy

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Late-season native border and meadowDry shade under treesPollinator and cutting garden

Companion Plants

New England Aster Little Bluestem Joe Pye Weed Coneflower Switchgrass

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Solidago Solidago questions

What zones can Solidago Solidago grow in?

Solidago Solidago is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Solidago Solidago deer resistant?

Yes — Solidago Solidago is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Solidago Solidago bloom?

Solidago Solidago typically blooms in late summer to fall through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Solidago Solidago need full sun?

Solidago Solidago does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Solidago Solidago drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Solidago Solidago handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.