Late Goldenrod - Solidago gigantea

Phonetic: so-li-DAY-go ji-GAN-tee-uh 

Late goldenrod, is a tall perennial native to much of North America. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, favoring moist to moderately wet soils. Unlike some of its relatives that prefer drier prairies, late goldenrod flourishes in richer, loamy soils with consistent moisture, though it can adapt to a variety of conditions once established. Its robust growth habit and rhizomatous root system allow it to form dense colonies that help stabilize soils and outcompete invasive species in open, disturbed areas.

Late goldenrod typically blooms from late summer through early fall, usually from August to October. Its tall stems—often reaching up to six feet in height—bear gracefully arching clusters of small, bright yellow flower heads that create a striking display and serve as a late-season nectar source. After blooming, the flowers give way to small, dry fruits  each equipped with a tuft of white hairs (pappus) that aids in wind dispersal. The seeds mature in early autumn and can spread widely, allowing the plant to colonize new areas efficiently.

Late goldenrod is a keystone species in late-season pollinator networks. Its abundant flowers provide much needed late season nectar and pollen for a vast array of insects, including bees, butterflies, wasps, beetles, and flies. It is especially valuable to native solitary bees and migrating monarch butterflies, which rely on its blooms as a crucial food source before migration. Additionally, it is a host plant for several species of butterfly and moth such as the Goldenrod gall moth and the Brown hooded owlet.

• Hardiness Zone: 3-8
• Native Region: BONAP Map
• BONAP Map Key Color Guide: Map Color Key
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade
• Flower Color: Yellow
• Bloom Time: September, October
• Soil Type: Medium, Moist
• Mature Plant Size: 4-7'H, 2-6'W
• Plant Spacing: 3-6'
• Host Plant: Goldenrod Gall Moth, Brown Hooded Owlet, 
• Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
• Advantages: Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Poor Soil Tolerant 
• Landscape Uses: Sun Garden, Pollinator Garden, Erosion Control 
• Companion Plants: New England Aster, Purple Coneflower, New York Ironweed,