•Status in Florida: Native
•Size at Maturity: Typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall.
•Phenology: Herbaceous perennial with erect stems, lance-shaped leaves, and clusters of small, yellow flowers that bloom in late summer to fall. The leaves emit a sweet fragrance when crushed.
•Life Cycle: Perennial
•Bloom Season: Late summer to fall
•Deciduous, Dioecious, Evergreen: Deciduous
•Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
•Soil Texture: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils; tolerant of various soil types
•Soil pH: Tolerant of a wide range, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.0)
•Moisture Requirements: Prefers moderately moist soil, but can tolerate drought once established
•Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low tolerance
•Recommended Landscape Uses: Native plant gardens, butterfly gardens, meadows, naturalized areas
•Maintenance Tips: Low maintenance; deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming period and prevent self-seeding; may require division every few years to maintain vigor
•Considerations: Sweet Goldenrod may self-seed and naturalize in favorable conditions, but is not typically considered invasive.
•Deer and/or Rabbit Resistance: Moderately resistant; typically not preferred by deer or rabbits
•Edible: Leaves can be used to make tea; flowers may be used as a garnish or in salads for flavor.
•Medicinal Uses: Traditionally used in herbal medicine for various purposes, including as a diuretic and to treat respiratory ailments.
•Toxicity to Pets: Not known to be toxic to pets, but ingestion of large quantities of plant material may cause gastrointestinal upset.
•Florida Native Companion Plant: Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Tickseed (Coreopsis spp.)
•Wildlife Benefit: Attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other insects; provides habitat and food for various insects and birds
•Caterpillar Host Plant: Sweet Goldenrod is a host plant for the caterpillars of various butterfly species, including the American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) and the Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos).