Rocky Mountain goldenrod is a magnet for pollinators

Solidago multiradiata is a hardy, basal, fibrous-rooted perennial that grows naturally on dry, gravelly substrates. It is native to tundra and tundra-like habitats, alpine slopes and meadows across northern North America from Alaska to Newfoundland and northern Nova Scotia and south along the backbone of the Rocky Mountains to Arizona and New Mexico and in the Sierra Nevada Range of California.  The Albion Range, located in Cassia County, Idaho, is an isolated sky island refugia within the Snake River Plain and home of this adorable goldenrod.

Despite its high elevation provenance, it performs well in mid-to-low elevation gardens throughout the Intermountain West states and the Front Range of Colorado and New Mexico. It is proven to lack weediness in the landscape, withstand exposure to full-sun and winds, and is decidedly drought tolerant. 

Rocky Mountain goldenrod reaches an approximate width of 40 cm (16 in.), a foliage height of 20 cm (8 in.), and a flowering height no more than 40 cm (16 in.), in five years. Its foliage is smooth and persists throughout the summer months with adequate moisture. Individual yellow flowers comprise a stiff, upright corymb-like inflorescence from May to late June. An average between 2.54 cm and 5.08 cm of water, depending on soil type, is suggested over a 2 ½ week period to maintain healthy vigor and flowering in the landscape.

A one-time removal of spent seed heads will maintain a tidy appearance all summer long. It is preferential to little or no supplemental fertilizer.

Rocky Mountain goldenrod adds a mid-spring riot of color when intertwined with drifts of front to middle border bloomers such as Cheddar Pinks or any of Plant Select’s Mexicali hybrid beardtongues. It also features nicely in a rock or crevice garden for a pop of vibrant yellow. Smaller, ornamental, clump-forming grasses, such as Standing Ovation little bluestem, make nice companions too! 

The collection and selection efforts by Richard Anderson and Perennial Favorites Wholesale Nursery in Layton, Utah led to Solidago multiradiata. It is now a proud and proven 2025 release through the Plant Select® program at Colorado State University and Denver Botanic Gardens.

Thanks to Richard Anderson for this comprehensive plant story!