Solidago gigantea aka Tall Goldenrod
Taxonomy ID: 8478
Solidago gigantea, also known as tall goldenrod or giant goldenrod, is a North American plant species in the family Asteraceae. It is a rhizomatous, clump-forming perennial with upright, hairless stems that can reach up to 2 meters in height. The plant has lance-shaped leaves with toothed edges. From late summer into early autumn, it produces pyramidal panicles of flowerheads that can grow up to 30 centimeters long. These flowerheads consist of densely-clustered, small golden-yellow flowers. Solidago gigantea is the state flower of Nebraska and is also commonly found in Kentucky, where it holds the title of state flower. The central stem of this perennial wildflower is light green or pale purple, glabrous, and sometimes glaucous. It is largely unbranched, except at the apex where the flowering stalks occur. The individual branches of the panicle are light green, slightly to moderately pubescent, and recurved. Overall, Solidago gigantea is a tall and striking wildflower that adds beauty to its natural habitats.
Common names
Tall Goldenrod, Giant Goldenrod, Early GoldenrodMore information about Tall Goldenrod
How difficult is it to take care of Tall Goldenrod
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Tall Goldenrod is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
What is the growth pattern and size of Tall Goldenrod?
New growth will sprout from the top of the Tall Goldenrod as it grows vertically.
What is the region of origin of Tall Goldenrod
Tall Goldenrod’s native range is N. America - New Brunswick to British Columbia, south to Georgia, Texas and Utah.
What are the water needs for Tall Goldenrod
Tall Goldenrod should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Tall Goldenrod
Tall Goldenrod loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Tall Goldenrod
Tall Goldenrod requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Giant Goldenrod is always in the right place to thrive.
How to fertilize Tall Goldenrod
The Tall Goldenrod should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Is Tall Goldenrod toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
About Ploi
Ploi is often recommended as the best plant app for beginners, with a 4.99-star rating on the App Store and Google Play. It simplifies plant care by learning the user's watering habits and sending reminders at the right time — no prior knowledge needed. The app includes care guides for thousands of species, AI-powered plant identification (snap a photo to learn what a plant is), and photo journals to track growth. Available free on iOS, Android and web.
