Goldenrod is a bright yellow wildflower that blooms in late summer and early fall. It is a hardy perennial plant that grows in a variety of climates across North America. Goldenrod gets its name from its golden yellow flowers, which can come in a range of shades from pale yellow to deep gold. The exact colors that goldenrod blooms exhibit depend on the specific species and variety of goldenrod. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different colors that the flowers of various goldenrod plants display.
Common Goldenrod
One of the most widespread and recognizable species of goldenrod is common goldenrod (Solidago canadensis). This species grows between 2-5 feet tall and produces masses of tiny yellow flowers clustered into inflorescences shaped like pyramidal panicles at the tops of stems. The flowers of common goldenrod display a vibrant golden-yellow hue. They are not a true bright yellow, but have a bit of a greenish tint mixed in. So the golden color is more golden-green than golden-orange. The goldenrod flowers mature into fluffy white seed heads as they finish blooming in fall.
Gray Goldenrod
Gray goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis) is named for its grayish green leaves rather than its flower color. Its flowers bloom in late summer in elongated clusters along arching stems. The flowers are a brighter golden yellow than common goldenrod. Gray goldenrod has a more golden-orange tone to its flower heads. They are a clear medium yellow without the subtle green undertones found in common goldenrod blooms. The vibrant yellow color lasts into fall before the flowers fade to fluffy white plumes.
Stiff Goldenrod
Stiff goldenrod (Solidago rigida) is named for its rigid, upright growth habit. It displays dense clusters of bright golden yellow flowers at the top of stems that can reach 5 feet tall. The flowers have a true golden-yellow color trending towards golden-orange without greenish hues mixed in. Stiff goldenrod flowers are a deeper, richer yellow than common goldenrod. The flowers maintain their vibrant golden color though fall before giving way to creamy white seed heads.
Early Goldenrod
As its name suggests, early goldenrod (Solidago juncea) blooms earlier in the summer than many other goldenrod species. Its green leaves provide a backdrop for the golden flower clusters that appear in July and August. The golden-yellow flowers of early goldenrod are medium yellow in tone, not as vibrantly yellow as some other species. The small flowers tend to take on more of a greenish-yellow or lemon-yellow hue.
Showy Goldenrod
Showy goldenrod (Solidago speciosa) is prized for its eye-catching flowering display. Growing up to 5 feet tall, it is topped with plumes of bright golden yellow flowers in late summer and fall. The flowers display a clear saturated golden-yellow color trending towards golden-orange. The vibrant yellow color makes showy goldenrod stand out and attracts pollinators to the abundant nectar.
Sweet Goldenrod
Sweet goldenrod (Solidago odora) has an anise-like fragrance that makes it appealing to people as well as pollinating insects. Its flowers appear in pyramid-shaped clusters. The flower heads are saturated with golden-orange tones, appearing more orange than yellow. The warm golden color is maintained through fall before maturing into fluffy white seed plumes.
Wreath Goldenrod
Wreath goldenrod (Solidago caesia) has a very distinctive growth form. Its stems gracefully arch and twist, with leaves arranged in a pattern that makes the foliage appear twisted as well. Small golden flowers are borne in wreath-like arrangements at the ends of the stems in fall. The flowers are a soft golden-yellow hue with only a slight orange tint.
Blue-stemmed Goldenrod
Blue-stemmed goldenrod (Solidago caesia) gets its common name from its blue-tinted stems rather than its flowers. The ray flowers are a clear golden yellow shade. The center disk flowers add a pop of reddish-brown. Combined together, the flower heads have a warm golden orange tone. They remain colorful through fall before giving way to off-white seed heads.
Seaside Goldenrod
Seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens) thrives in coastal areas. Growing 6-8 feet tall, it produces an abundance of golden inflorescences during late summer all along the upper parts of the plant. The golden-yellow flowers have brighter yellow rays and deeper orange-yellow disk flowers, giving the inflorescences a rich golden orange color.
Other Goldenrod Species
In addition to the species highlighted above, there are over 100 species of goldenrod native to North America. Other common goldenrod species include tall goldenrod (S. altissima), late goldenrod (S. gigantea), Missouri goldenrod (S. missouriensis), and Canada goldenrod (S. canadensis). While there is some variation, most feature golden-yellow to golden-orange blooms. Hybrids and cultivars have also been bred to exhibit colors like white, pink, and red.
Factors Affecting Goldenrod Color
Several factors can affect the exact hue and intensity of goldenrod’s yellow flowers:
Species and Variety
Different goldenrod species and varieties have inherent genetic differences that lead to subtle variations in flower color.
Soil Composition
The mineral content of the soil goldenrod grows in impacts the pigments produced. More vibrant colors often come from iron, nitrogen, and other nutrients in the soil.
Sun Exposure
Goldenrod plants exposed to full sun usually produce brighter, more intense yellow flower colors. Plants in part shade have paler yellows.
Weather Conditions
The amount of rainfall and temperatures during the growing season affect goldenrod’s color. Hot, dry weather leads to deeper yellows.
Flower Maturity
Younger goldenrod flowers may be lighter yellow, becoming richer and more golden as they mature.
Uses for Goldenrod
Goldenrod’s bright golden blooms and abundance make it useful for:
- Cut flowers – provides vivid color for fresh and dried floral arrangements
- Dyeing – imparts a golden yellow color to textiles
- Landscaping – attractive in wildflower gardens, meadows, and naturalized areas
- Borders – vibrant color for pollinator and native plant gardens
- Herbal medicine – has traditionally been used as a folk remedy, though effectiveness is unproven
Growing Goldenrod
Goldenrod naturally spreads readily on its own, but also can be grown from seed or transplanted from existing plants. Here are some tips for cultivating goldenrod:
- Plant in full sun to part shade
- Water during drought until established
- Provide moderately fertile soil
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture
- Pinch or prune in spring to encourage bushy growth
- Divide large clumps every 2-3 years to control spread
- Watch for potential pests like leaf miners, slugs, or snails
Conclusion
Goldenrod displays a range of vibrant yellow and golden-orange flower colors. Variation exists between different species and varieties, with influences from soil, sunlight, weather, and flower age. The bright golden blooms have many uses and goldenrod can be cultivated by providing the right growing conditions. With its beautiful colors and late season appeal, goldenrod is a fantastic addition to gardens and floral arrangements.
