Leavenworth's Goldenrod
Solidago leavenworthii
Last reviewed: August 2026
Solidago leavenworthii is a yellow-flowered forb that blooms from August through October in full sun with medium moisture, typical of open sandy habitats in the coastal Southeast.
Toxicity unknown
Leavenworth's Goldenrod (Solidago leavenworthii) 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
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
AL, FL, GA, NC and 1 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
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Leavenworth's goldenrod is a compact native perennial that produces clusters of bright yellow flowers from late summer through fall. This well-behaved goldenrod stays relatively short and doesn't spread aggressively like some of its relatives. The plant goes dormant in winter, dying back to the ground before returning in spring.
Growing Leavenworth's Goldenrod
Grow Leavenworth's Goldenrod in full sun and medium 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
Leavenworth's Goldenrod is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, foundation.
- May look weedy when dormant in winter
- Goldenrod name carries negative associations despite being well-behaved
Wildlife value
The abundant yellow flowers attract numerous pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and beneficial beetles during the critical late-season blooming period. This plant serves as an important nectar source when many other flowers have finished blooming.
Common questions
- When does Leavenworth's goldenrod bloom?
- It flowers from August through October, producing small clusters of yellow blooms typical of goldenrods in this part of the flowering season.
- What pollinators visit Leavenworth's goldenrod?
- Bees, butterflies, and beetles commonly visit the flowers for nectar and pollen during the late summer and fall bloom period.
- How much sun and water does this plant need?
- It grows best in full sun with medium, consistent soil moisture, similar to conditions found in open coastal plain habitats.
- Is this plant an annual or perennial forb?
- It is an herbaceous forb that dies back each year, with new growth emerging from its root system as a deciduous perennial.
- Is Leavenworth's Goldenrod HOA-friendly?
- Leavenworth's Goldenrod is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
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.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Leavenworth's Goldenrod? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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