Pros of Goldenrod:

1. Attracts Pollinators: Goldenrod is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. It blooms in late summer and Fall, providing essential nectar (and pretty Fall color) when many other plants are finished blooming.
2. Low Maintenance: Once established, goldenrod is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care, thriving in a variety of soil types. It’s well-suited to naturalized areas, meadows, and wildflower gardens.
3. Erosion Control: With its deep root system, goldenrod can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it ideal for slopes and disturbed areas.
4. Deer-Resistant: Many goldenrod varieties are resistant to deer and other pests, making them a durable choice for our local gardens.

Cons of Goldenrod:

1. Aggressive Growth: Some species of goldenrod can be invasive, spreading quickly through underground rhizomes and self-seeding. Without careful management, it can outcompete other plants in garden beds and wild spaces. A non-spreading variety is Bluestem Goldenrod. You can also divide the clumps every two to three years to keep the plant from spreading too vigorously.
2. Allergy Misconception: Goldenrod is often mistakenly blamed for hay fever and allergies because it blooms at the same time as ragweed. However, goldenrod pollen is not airborne like ragweed pollen (the pollen is instead carried by insects).
3. Tall and Sprawling: Depending on the species, goldenrod can grow quite tall (3-5 feet or more) and may flop over without support, which can make it look messy or unkempt in formal garden settings.
4. Can Attract Unwanted Insects: While it attracts beneficial pollinators, goldenrod can also attract certain pests like aphids, which may become a problem for nearby plants.