Tall Goldenrod

Biological Name:

Solidago spp. (Tall-Goldenrod)

Natural Habitat:

Tall-Goldenrod: Typically found in meadows and fields in North America.

Description:

Tall-Goldenrod also known as Solidago is a plant that is native to grassland and prairie regions of North America. It is a perennial herb that can grow up to six feet tall and it has small oval-shaped leaves and small yellow or white flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant is known for its bright golden flowers and it is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is tall goldenrod invasive?
A: You can plant these in your garden, and you’ll have magnificent fall color every year, but you’ll also have more and more goldenrod every year. Be sure you plant them where you can contain their spread. Because most goldenrods are incredibly invasive.
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Q: Should I remove goldenrod?
A: Pruning. Pruning stem tips early in the season can result in goldenrod plants becoming fuller and bushier and lead to more flowers later in the season. Deadheading spent flower heads can prolong the bloom season well into fall. Removing the flower heads before they go to seed can prevent rampant self-seeding.
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Q: How do you stop goldenrod from spreading?
A: Moisten the soil with 1 inch of water and hand pull goldenrod to remove and kill it. Discard debris in the trash. You can also use a spade or hoe to dig and remove goldenrod from the soil. Do not compost goldenrod because its rhizomes might remain viable, becoming a problem later.
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Q: Is goldenrod poisonous to dogs?
A: This yellow beauty is considered nontoxic to dogs and cats, but it is considered toxic to horses. Horses eating one to ten percent of their body weight in the plant can develop lethal clinical effects.
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Q: Should I pull goldenrod from my garden?
A: Goldenrod: This native plant should be kept out of the garden.
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Q: What is tall goldenrod good for?
A: A few animal and test tube studies suggest goldenrod may help reduce inflammation, relieve muscle spasms, fight infections, and lower blood pressure. It does seem to act like a diuretic, and is used in Europe to treat urinary tract inflammation and to prevent or treat kidney stones.
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Q: Is goldenrod toxic to humans?
A: Yes, canada goldenrod contains saponins, which are considered toxic to humans.
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Q: Should you remove goldenrod?
A: Pruning. Pruning stem tips early in the season can result in goldenrod plants becoming fuller and bushier and lead to more flowers later in the season. Deadheading spent flower heads can prolong the bloom season well into fall. Removing the flower heads before they go to seed can prevent rampant self-seeding.
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Q: Why do farmers plant goldenrod?
A: Goldenrod’s Many Benefits An important source of nectar for so many pollinators—such as butterflies and native bees—goldenrod is especially crucial to the winter survival of many honeybees. Its pollen adds considerable amounts of protein, fats, and minerals to the late-season diet of the bees.
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Q: Is goldenrod considered invasive?
A: Those three factors alone have been enough to label goldenrod as some of the world’s worst invasive plants. Now new research shows that the effect of goldenrod invasions is even more dangerous than we previously knew.
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Q: Is tall goldenrod edible?
A: To reap its benefits, people consume the parts of the plant that grow above ground — particularly the flowers and leaves ( 2 ). You can buy goldenrod as a tea or dietary supplement as well. The tea may have a somewhat bitter aftertaste, and some prefer it lightly sweetened.
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Q: Is goldenrod toxic to dogs?
A: Rayless Goldenrod (Haplopappus heterophyllus). This yellow beauty is considered nontoxic to dogs and cats, but it is considered toxic to horses. Horses eating one to ten percent of their body weight in the plant can develop lethal clinical effects.
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Q: How did native Americans use goldenrod?
A: Traditionally, Goldenrod has been used as an herb to cure different illnesses. Native America’s used it to cure respiratory problems. Soledago (the genus name) means “to make whole.” It has been used for wound healing as well as diabetes and tuberculosis. Now it is mostly used to help with water loss in the body.
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Q: Is goldenrod an invasive plant?
A: Those three factors alone have been enough to label goldenrod as some of the world’s worst invasive plants. Now new research shows that the effect of goldenrod invasions is even more dangerous than we previously knew.
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Q: What plant is mistaken for goldenrod?
A: Goldenrod gets the blame for your itchy eyes and runny nose, but the culprit is actually ragweed. Both plants are members of the Asteraceae family, grow in roadside ditches and open fields, and bloom at the same time.
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Q: Is tall goldenrod a perennial?
A: Tall Goldenrod is a rhizomatous, upright perennial in the sunflower family. It produces showy yellow flower clusters in late summer or early fall. The flowers are nectar source for many insects, including bees and butterflies.
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Q: Does goldenrod spread easily?
A: It does not spread aggressively and has a good tolerance for poor, dry soils. Solidago rugosa, also known as rough goldenrod is a three- to five-foot plant with a fondness for moist conditions.
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Q: Is goldenrod an invasive?
A: Those three factors alone have been enough to label goldenrod as some of the world’s worst invasive plants. Now new research shows that the effect of goldenrod invasions is even more dangerous than we previously knew.
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Q: Does goldenrod come back every year?
A: Goldenrod care is minimal once established in the landscape, with plants returning each year. They require little, if any watering, and are drought tolerant. Clumps need division every four to five years. Cuttings may also be taken in spring and planted in the garden.
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Q: What do you do with goldenrod after flowering?
A: Caring for goldenrod Goldenrod is easy to care for and does not need feeding or watering. It should get all the water it needs from rainfall. Divide every three or four years if necessary and deadhead if you do not want plants to self seed. Cut back after flowering.
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Q: Why do farmers grow goldenrod?
A: The beautiful goldenrod is an important nectar and pollen source for our bees. The more we have, the better off they are. But did you know that there are benefits hidden in this plant for people, as well? The leaves and flowers of this weed are both used for their medicinal compounds.
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About the author

Samuel is a gardening professional and enthusiast who has spent over 20 years advising homeowners and farm owners on weed identification, prevention and removal. He has an undergraduate degree in plant and soil science from Michigan State University.