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

Denise’s black and goldenrod atrocity isn’t just an ill-proportioned mishmash.

From Salon • Jul. 23, 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

Others include showy milkweed, Douglas aster and Canada goldenrod.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 30, 2023

I followed him across a field grown wild with milkweed and goldenrod.

From "The Old Willis Place" by Mary Downing Hahn