Solidago ranges across North America from the Arctic fringe south to Central America, with additional species scattered through South America, North Africa, and Eurasia. Most are meadow and prairie plants, happy in full sun and average to dry, well-drained soils. They tolerate poor ground, clay, and extended drought with an ease that shames most ornamentals. Dense clusters of small bright yellow flowers crowd the tops of tall stems from July through September, and some species produce nectar so copious that bees, flies, beetles, wasps, and butterflies gather in numbers that can make the plants seem to hum.

Goldenrod has long been unfairly blamed for hay fever. The actual offender is ragweed, which releases airborne pollen at exactly the same time. Goldenrod pollen is heavy and sticky, moved by insects rather than wind, and poses no allergenic threat. Division every two to three years keeps spreading species in check and rejuvenates older clumps. In Europe, goldenrod cultivars and hybrids have been enthusiastically adopted as garden perennials for decades; their warm yellow pairs especially well with blue wood asters and hardy ageratum.