Hairy Goldenrod
Solidago hispida
Last reviewed: August 2026
Hairy Goldenrod (Solidago hispida) is a perennial forb native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states. It blooms in July, August, and September. The flowers draw bees, butterflies, and beetles. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Toxicity unknown
Hairy Goldenrod (Solidago hispida) 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
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Hairy goldenrod is a compact native perennial that produces bright yellow flower clusters from mid-summer through early fall. This shorter goldenrod variety stays well-behaved in the garden, reaching only 1-3 feet tall with a manageable spread. Unlike some of its taller relatives, it maintains a more controlled appearance while still providing the classic golden autumn color.
Growing Hairy Goldenrod
Grow Hairy Goldenrod in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 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
Hairy Goldenrod is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, foundation.
- May be confused with invasive weeds by uninformed neighbors
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
Wildlife value
This goldenrod is a pollinator powerhouse, attracting numerous bees, butterflies, and beetles during its long blooming period. It serves as a crucial late-season nectar source when many other flowers have finished blooming.
Common questions
- How much sun does Hairy Goldenrod need?
- Hairy Goldenrod grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Hairy Goldenrod bloom?
- Hairy Goldenrod blooms in July, August, and September.
- Where is Hairy Goldenrod native?
- Hairy Goldenrod (Solidago hispida) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Hairy Goldenrod attract?
- Hairy Goldenrod draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
- Is Hairy Goldenrod HOA-friendly?
- Hairy Goldenrod is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Hairy Goldenrod? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz