Western-goldenrod
Solidago californica
Last reviewed: August 2026
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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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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.
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.
- 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 Western-goldenrod? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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