When does Anisescented Goldenrod bloom?

Anisescented Goldenrod typically flowers from July into October, producing small clusters of yellow blooms late in the growing season.

What kind of light and soil moisture does this plant need?

It grows best in full sun to part sun and prefers low soil moisture, making it a good fit for dry, well drained sites such as open woodlands and sandy or rocky ground.

What pollinators visit Anisescented Goldenrod?

Bees, butterflies, and wasps are regular visitors to its late season flowers, drawn to the nectar and pollen when few other plants are blooming.

Why is it called anise scented goldenrod?

The common name comes from the light anise or licorice smell released when the leaves are crushed or bruised, which helps distinguish it from other goldenrod species in the field.

Is this goldenrod a good choice for a dry meadow or woodland edge planting?

Yes. Solidago odora tolerates low moisture and sunny to lightly shaded conditions, so it fits well along woodland edges, dry meadows, and other lean, well drained sites.

Is Anisescented Goldenrod HOA-friendly?

Anisescented Goldenrod takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Anisescented Goldenrod

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Solidago odora

Last reviewed: September 2026

Solidago odora, or Anisescented Goldenrod, blooms from July through October in dry, sunny sites and open woodlands across much of the eastern and southeastern United States. Its crushed leaves give off a distinct anise scent.

Toxicity unknown

Anisescented Goldenrod (Solidago odora) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

24"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 22 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, wasps

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Anise-scented goldenrod is a native perennial wildflower that produces bright yellow flower clusters from summer through fall. It grows 2-4 feet tall with a narrow, upright habit and releases a pleasant anise fragrance when the leaves are crushed. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun and poor soils where other plants struggle.

Growing Anisescented Goldenrod

Grow Anisescented Goldenrod in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Anisescented Goldenrod takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Often perceived as a weed due to goldenrod stigma
Can spread and naturalize beyond intended areas
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare stems

Wildlife value

Host plant for bordered patch butterfly.

This goldenrod is exceptionally valuable for late-season pollinators, providing crucial nectar for bees, butterflies, and beneficial wasps when few other flowers are blooming. It serves as a host plant for several butterfly species and produces seeds that feed birds in winter.

Common questions

When does Anisescented Goldenrod bloom?: Anisescented Goldenrod typically flowers from July into October, producing small clusters of yellow blooms late in the growing season.
What kind of light and soil moisture does this plant need?: It grows best in full sun to part sun and prefers low soil moisture, making it a good fit for dry, well drained sites such as open woodlands and sandy or rocky ground.
What pollinators visit Anisescented Goldenrod?: Bees, butterflies, and wasps are regular visitors to its late season flowers, drawn to the nectar and pollen when few other plants are blooming.
Why is it called anise scented goldenrod?: The common name comes from the light anise or licorice smell released when the leaves are crushed or bruised, which helps distinguish it from other goldenrod species in the field.
Is this goldenrod a good choice for a dry meadow or woodland edge planting?: Yes. Solidago odora tolerates low moisture and sunny to lightly shaded conditions, so it fits well along woodland edges, dry meadows, and other lean, well drained sites.
Is Anisescented Goldenrod HOA-friendly?: Anisescented Goldenrod takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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