Canada goldenrod Solidago canadensis
Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, native to Temperate North America. It grows 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) tall and 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -37 °C (-35 °F). Space plants about 70 cm (28 in) apart.
Plan Canada goldenrod in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Canada goldenrod at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 70 cm (28 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -37 °C (-35 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 5–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Temperate North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇷🇺 Russia |
| Invasive in | Europe (naturalised and invasive in several countries), China, Japan: check local rules before planting |
Is Canada goldenrod toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not listed as toxic by ASPCA; goldenrod pollen is largely insect-carried and is rarely the cause of hay fever.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Canada goldenrod
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Canada goldenrod in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Longwood Gardens (10 plants)
- New York Botanical Garden (8 plants)
Questions about Canada goldenrod
- How far apart should I plant Canada goldenrod?
- About 70 cm (28 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Canada goldenrod need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Canada goldenrod need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Canada goldenrod?
- It tolerates about -37 °C (-35 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Canada goldenrod flower?
- From about July for 5–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Canada goldenrod poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not listed as toxic by ASPCA; goldenrod pollen is largely insect-carried and is rarely the cause of hay fever.
- What grows well with Canada goldenrod?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Canada goldenrod. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Vigorous rhizomatous spreader; cultivars of other Solidago species are better behaved in small gardens.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lettuce Lactuca sativa
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- Zinnia Zinnia elegans
- Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus
- Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea
- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta
- French tarragon Artemisia dracunculus