Goldenrod Grass-Leaved

Grass-Leaved Goldenrod is a perennial native to Ontario that provides an important late-season food source for wildlife. Its clusters of yellow flowers supply nectar and pollen for bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, moths, and beetles, while the seeds are eaten by songbirds later in the season.

Goldenrod has an undeserved reputation for causing seasonal allergies, largely because it blooms at the same time as ragweed. Ragweed is the primary culprit, while goldenrod pollen is heavier and less likely to become airborne. Because of its value to pollinators and birds, goldenrod is a beneficial addition to native and wildlife gardens.

Grass-Leaved Goldenrod grows best in full sun with moist, well-drained soil. However, it is highly adaptable and can tolerate sandy, gravelly, and drier soils, as well as periods of drought. In moist conditions, it can spread aggressively through its root system, making it useful for erosion control and naturalizing larger areas. In drier soils, its spread is typically more restrained.