When does Solidago bicolor bloom?

Silverrod typically blooms from July into September, later than many other goldenrods.

What growing conditions does silverrod prefer?

It does best in part sun with medium moisture, though it tolerates drier, well-drained soils and some full sun exposure.

Why is Solidago bicolor called silverrod instead of goldenrod?

Unlike most goldenrods, its flower spikes are white rather than yellow, which gives it the common name silverrod.

What pollinators visit silverrod flowers?

Bees, butterflies, and beetles commonly visit the flowers for nectar and pollen during its late summer bloom period.

Is Silverrod HOA-friendly?

Silverrod is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Silverrod

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Solidago bicolor

Last reviewed: September 2026

Solidago bicolor, or silverrod, produces white flower spikes from July through September and grows well in part sun with medium, well-drained soil in open woods and rocky clearings.

Toxicity unknown

Silverrod (Solidago bicolor) 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

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 19 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Silverrod is an unusual goldenrod with distinctive white flower clusters that bloom from summer into early fall. This compact native perennial stays well-behaved in the garden, forming neat clumps that work well in both formal and naturalistic plantings. It thrives in partial sun with average moisture and requires minimal care once established.

Growing Silverrod

Grow Silverrod in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Silverrod is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Dies back completely in winter like other perennials

Wildlife value

The white flower clusters attract a variety of pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and beetles during the late summer bloom period. Like other goldenrods, it provides important late-season nectar when many other flowers have finished blooming.

Common questions

When does Solidago bicolor bloom?: Silverrod typically blooms from July into September, later than many other goldenrods.
What growing conditions does silverrod prefer?: It does best in part sun with medium moisture, though it tolerates drier, well-drained soils and some full sun exposure.
Why is Solidago bicolor called silverrod instead of goldenrod?: Unlike most goldenrods, its flower spikes are white rather than yellow, which gives it the common name silverrod.
What pollinators visit silverrod flowers?: Bees, butterflies, and beetles commonly visit the flowers for nectar and pollen during its late summer bloom period.
Is Silverrod HOA-friendly?: Silverrod 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 the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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