How much sun does California Goldenrod need?

California Goldenrod grows best in full sun conditions.

When does California Goldenrod bloom?

California Goldenrod blooms in August, September, and October.

Where is California Goldenrod native?

California Goldenrod (Solidago californica) is native to CA, OR, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does California Goldenrod attract?

California Goldenrod draws bees, butterflies, and syrphid flies.

California Goldenrod

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Solidago californica

Last reviewed: October 2026

California Goldenrod (Solidago californica) is a perennial forb native to CA, OR. It blooms in August, September, and October. The flowers draw bees, butterflies, and syrphid flies.

Toxicity unknown

California Goldenrod (Solidago californica) 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

18"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

CA, OR

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, syrphid flies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Upright perennial with narrow hairy leaves and dense plume-like clusters of small golden-yellow flowers held above the foliage in late summer and fall, found on dry slopes and open woodland edges.

Growing California Goldenrod

Grow California Goldenrod in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 18 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

One of the most important late-season nectar sources for native bees, butterflies, and migrating monarchs.

Common questions

How much sun does California Goldenrod need?: California Goldenrod grows best in full sun conditions.
When does California Goldenrod bloom?: California Goldenrod blooms in August, September, and October.
Where is California Goldenrod native?: California Goldenrod (Solidago californica) is native to CA, OR, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does California Goldenrod attract?: California Goldenrod draws bees, butterflies, and syrphid flies.

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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