Also known as Aaron's Rod · Common Goldenrod · European Goldenrod
Solidago virgaurea, known as Goldenrod, is a hardy perennial with bright yellow flower spikes, ideal for naturalistic gardens and attracting pollinators.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering, but tolerates partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist during growth, reduce in dormancy.
Well-drained, poor to moderately fertile
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Low
25% intensity
Requires minimal fertilization; a light feed in spring is usually enough.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Solidago virgaurea regularly during its growing season, especially in dry periods. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Reduce watering in the fall as the plant enters dormancy, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Cut back spent flower stalks in late autumn or early spring to prevent self-seeding and maintain a tidy appearance. You can also deadhead flowers before they go to seed if you wish to control spread.
Cut stems down to ground level.
Solidago virgaurea is easily propagated by division of established clumps in early spring or fall. It can also be grown from seed sown in autumn or early spring. Cuttings can be taken from young shoots in late spring.
Established plants rarely need repotting. If division is necessary for propagation or to rejuvenate an overcrowded clump, this is best done in early spring or fall.
Choose a pot slightly larger than the root ball when repotting seedlings.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea)
Where Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Solidago |
| Species | Solidago virgaurea |
Similar in genus Solidago
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
