goldenrod

American  

[gohl-duhn-rod] / ˈgoʊl dənˌrɒd /

noun

1. any composite plant of the genus Solidago, most species of which bear numerous small, yellow flower heads.

2. a strong to vivid yellow.

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adjective

1. of the color goldenrod.

goldenrod British  

/ ˌɡəʊldənˈrɒd /

noun

1. any plant of the genus Solidago, of North America, Europe, and Asia, having spikes made up of inflorescences of minute yellow florets: family Asteraceae (composites) See also yellowweed

2. any of various similar related plants, such as Brachychaeta sphacelata ( false goldenrod ) of the southern US

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Etymology

Origin of goldenrod

First recorded in 1560–70; golden + rod

Example Sentences

While Regrow Altadena started giving away succulents and houseplants, it’s grown to include California native plants, such as California goldenrod and coyote mint.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 6, 2025

At a gated agricultural plot on the Penn State Berks Campus, pollinators hum to and fro through rolling fields of aster and goldenrod.

From National Geographic • Aug. 31, 2023

Important wetlands along the reservoir, including the Velyki and Mali Kuchuhury archipelago, will suffer from desiccation, and ecologists are concerned that invasive plants, such as ragweed and goldenrod, will colonize newly exposed sediment.

From Science Magazine • Jun. 9, 2023

The plants include the dwarf lake iris and Houghton’s goldenrod, both listed as threatened.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 23, 2023

The imp’s furious face scrunched up as tightly as it could, considering its beard was tucked into its bright blue pants, a color that happened to go nicely with its shockingly goldenrod tunic.

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley