Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)
As an important pioneer species, goldenrod is one of the first wildflowers to establish itself in disturbed soils, whether on gopher mounds or cultivated land. Canada goldenrod is the earliest-blooming goldenrod – the plumelike clusters of tiny yellow flowers attracting a wide variety of insects. What’s really neat about this goldenrod is its pin-wheel leaf arrangement. Large, round galls often form on the stems, housing the larvae of the parasitic goldenrod gall fly. The larvae overwinter in the galls, providing a food source for squirrels, chickadees and woodpeckers. Plants are clonal.
Flower Colour: yellow
Life Cycle: perennial
Sun Exposure: full sun to part shade
Bloom Period: July – October
Height: 2 – 4 ft.
Soil: medium to moist