How much sun does Wand goldenrod need?

Wand goldenrod grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Wand goldenrod bloom?

Wand goldenrod blooms in September, October, and November.

Where is Wand goldenrod native?

Wand goldenrod (Solidago stricta) is native to AL, DE, FL, GA and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What butterflies or moths does Wand goldenrod host?

Wand goldenrod is a larval host plant for Goldenrod hooded owlet moth.

Is Wand goldenrod HOA-friendly?

Wand goldenrod is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Wand goldenrod

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Solidago stricta

Last reviewed: August 2026

Wand goldenrod (Solidago stricta) is a perennial forb native to AL, DE, FL, GA and 6 more states. It blooms in September, October, and November. The flowers draw bees, butterflies, and beetles. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

24"–48" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

AL, DE, FL, GA and 6 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 area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

A slender, upright perennial forb with narrow, mostly basal leaves and a single elongated wand-like spike of small bright yellow flowers in fall. Prefers consistently moist, sandy or peaty soil and forms a narrow clump over time.

Growing Wand goldenrod

Grow Wand goldenrod in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Wand goldenrod is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.

Often mistaken for ragweed and blamed for allergies despite being insect-pollinated, not wind-pollinated
Requires consistently moist soil, limiting placement to low or irrigated spots

Wildlife value

Host plant for Goldenrod hooded owlet moth.

Fall flowers provide an important late-season nectar source for bees and migrating butterflies, and the foliage hosts several moth species.

Common questions

How much sun does Wand goldenrod need?: Wand goldenrod grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Wand goldenrod bloom?: Wand goldenrod blooms in September, October, and November.
Where is Wand goldenrod native?: Wand goldenrod (Solidago stricta) is native to AL, DE, FL, GA and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does Wand goldenrod host?: Wand goldenrod is a larval host plant for Goldenrod hooded owlet moth.
Is Wand goldenrod HOA-friendly?: Wand goldenrod is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz