How much sun does Western-goldenrod need?

Western-goldenrod grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Western-goldenrod bloom?

Western-goldenrod blooms in August, September, and October.

Where is Western-goldenrod native?

Western-goldenrod (Solidago californica) is native to CA, OR, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Western-goldenrod attract?

Western-goldenrod draws bees, butterflies, and syrphid flies.

Western-goldenrod

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Solidago californica

Last reviewed: September 2026

Western-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

Western-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

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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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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 Western-goldenrod

Grow Western-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 Western-goldenrod need?: Western-goldenrod grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Western-goldenrod bloom?: Western-goldenrod blooms in August, September, and October.
Where is Western-goldenrod native?: Western-goldenrod (Solidago californica) is native to CA, OR, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Western-goldenrod attract?: Western-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

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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Western-goldenrod? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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