Goldenrod
Solidago canadensis
Also called Solidago, Canada goldenrod and Woundwort (goldenrod)
Garden plant · PerennialsIt is not what makes you sneeze — that is ragweed, flowering at the same time on wind-borne pollen. Goldenrod's pollen is heavy and insect-carried, and in September it is one of the busiest plants in a garden.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 8 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Full sun
- Feed
- Not needed
- Humidity
- Low
- Hardiness
- Very hardy RHS H7, to -25°C
- Size
- 1.5 m tall · 1 m across
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Origin
- North America
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsNothing recorded against it
No animal-poison authority lists this plant either way.
PeopleNot checked yet
Nobody has checked this one against a source for us yet, so treat it as unknown rather than safe.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-09-22. Where a source says nothing, we say nothing.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
First signs of trouble
- A white felt over the upper leaves from midsummer, starting on the crowded stems in the middle of the clump where nothing dries.Powdery mildew · disease
- Rusty-orange powder on the underside of the leaves that comes off on a finger, with matching pale flecks showing through on top.Rust · disease