These plants have long suffered from an undeserved reputation as a common field weed that causes hay fever. In fact, ragweed is the primary hay fever culprit. Goldenrod is falsely accused because it flowers abundantly during the peak allergy season.
Goldenrods are easy to grow when planted in good garden soil in full sun.
They are extremely hardy, drought tolerant, long-lived perennials. They also have few insect or disease problems and require minimal maintenance. Most goldenrods are clump forming plants with erect to somewhat arching stems of varying heights and alternately arranged leaves. Flowers are typically yellow, but there are a few scarce white forms. Individual flowers are very small but are borne in great numbers to form flower heads of various shapes and sizes.