Sweet Goldenrod

Sweet Goldenrod (Solidago odora)

Sweet Goldenrod is a beautiful, fragrant perennial that adds bright yellow color to gardens and landscapes from late summer into fall. With its anise-scented leaves and clusters of golden flowers, this low-maintenance plant is perfect for pollinator gardens, meadows, and naturalized areas. Its ecological benefits make it a valuable addition for supporting wildlife, especially late-season pollinators.

Key Characteristics

• Attracts pollinators: Sweet Goldenrod's nectar-rich blooms are highly attractive to native bees, honeybees, and butterflies, including Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus). The plant blooms from August to October, providing essential late-season nectar when other flowers are scarce.

• Supports beneficial insects and birds: In addition to pollinators, Sweet Goldenrod attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies, which help control garden pests. After flowering, its seeds are a food source for birds, including sparrows and finches, during the fall months.

• Thrives in meadows and pollinator gardens: This plant is ideal for native meadows, naturalized settings, or pollinator-friendly gardens. Its tall, upright growth adds structure to landscapes, while its bright yellow flowers bring warmth to late-season plantings.

• Drought-tolerant and low maintenance: Sweet Goldenrod thrives in well-drained soils and is highly drought-tolerant once established. It’s a perfect choice for sunny, low-maintenance areas where other plants may struggle, requiring little care throughout the growing season.

Product Details

• Native range: Eastern North America
• Plant life cycle: Perennial
• Sun requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil requirements: Medium to dry, well-drained soils
• Mature height: 2 to 4 feet
• Bloom time: August to October
• Bloom color: Bright yellow
• USDA Hardiness zones: 3-8

Sweet Goldenrod is an excellent addition to any garden focused on supporting pollinators and wildlife. Its late-season blooms, combined with its fragrant, low-maintenance nature, make it a standout choice for sunny gardens, meadows, and naturalized landscapes.