Photo: Georg SlickersCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Canada Goldenrod Plant Care
Solidago canadensis L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Solidago canadensis, known as Canada goldenrod or Canadian goldenrod, is an herbaceous perennial plant of the family Asteraceae. It is native to northeastern and north-central North America and often forms colonies of upright growing plants, with many small yellow flowers in a branching inflorescence held above the foliage. It is an invasive plant in other parts of the continent and several areas worldwide, including Europe and Asia. It is grown as an ornamental in flower gardens.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Canada Goldenrod?
Water Canada Goldenrod every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Canada Goldenrod Native To?
What Is the Canada Goldenrod?
Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Solidago genus. Canada Goldenrod is native to northeastern and north-central North America. Canada Goldenrod is also known as Goldenrod, Canadian Goldenrod, Aster canadensis.
Canada Goldenrod displays an upright, bushy perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Canada Goldenrod produces small, yellow, daisy-like flowers in dense clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Canada Goldenrod?
Solidago canadensis requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Canada Goldenrod Need?
Canada Goldenrod thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Canada Goldenrod Prefer?
Solidago canadensis grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Canada Goldenrod prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Canada Goldenrod?
Well-draining, fertile soil with a mix of sand and organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Canada Goldenrod to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Canada Goldenrod?
Feed Canada Goldenrod every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Canada Goldenrod?
Divide and repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Canada Goldenrod?
Canada Goldenrod can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to argentine goldenrod plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Canada Goldenrod Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Canada Goldenrod, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Canada Goldenrod?
Canada Goldenrod is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Canada Goldenrod Need?
Canada Goldenrod grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Canada Goldenrod is native to northeastern and north-central North America.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Canada Goldenrod is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Solidago genus — compare its care with other Solidago species on PlantoScan.
Solidago is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Canada Goldenrod thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Solidago Species
Other Solidago species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Solidago canadensis L., family Asteraceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 878 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Canada Goldenrod, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Georg Slickers, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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