Early blooming for a goldenrod, this species bursts with plumes of sunny yellow flowers as early as July, brightening our summer gardens and meadows with that beloved goldenrod color typically reserved for fall. With lance-shaped leaves and a slender upright posture, Early Goldenrod brings graceful elegance to the toughest, driest, and rockiest spots in your garden. The brilliant flowers attract a veritable menagerie of pollinators, providing high-quality nectar for our favorite winged friends, while our less well-loved garden visitors (we’re talking to you, deer) aren’t nearly as enthused. As with some of our other goldenrod species, Early Goldenrod prefers some room to stretch its rhizomatous roots, so plant with growth in mind and watch your garden light up with some early goldenrod magic.
Conditions: Full to part sun; medium to dry soil
Size: 2’-4’ tall, 2’-3’ spread
Zone: 3 - 8
Wildlife Value: Flowers support butterflies, moths, bees, wasps, and beetles; host plant for dozens of moth and butterfly species; seeds eaten by birds
Photo: Kevin Kenny