Canada Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

Pollinator Value

🔑 Keystone: Solidago supports 122 lepidoptera species in the region and is the most recurrent host plant genus among pollen specialist bees (40 specialist bee species). A foundational late-season nectar and pollen source for native pollinators, it sustains diverse Andrenidae, Colletidae, and Megachilidae specialists alongside generalist bumble bees.
S13 122 lep spp; S17 40 specialist bee spp on Solidago
🐛 Larval Host: Cucullia asteroides, Cucullia convexipennis, Leuconycta diphteroides, Synchlora aerata, Eusarca confusaria, Schinia nundina
S13+S15 6 verified Eastern NA
🐝 Specialist Bee Host: Andrena hirticincta, Andrena nubecula, Andrena canadensis, Colletes simulans, Colletes compactus, Colletes solidaginis, Perdita octomaculata, Pseudopanurgus andrenoides
S17 Fowler pollen specialists on Solidago with Eastern NA (VT/ME/NH/NY) ranges
❄️ Winter Food Source: Persistent seed heads provide winter forage for Wild Turkey (Phasianidae), which consumes seeds at 0.5% of diet by weight. Greater Sage-Grouse also feeds on Solidago at 10% of diet by volume, though this species is outside the Outaouais range.
S57 Avian Diet Database: 2 studies, 9 records

Proximity Score: 0
Native Status: ✅ Outaouais ✅ Ottawa ✅ QC ✅ ON
Closest Direction: Local
CEC Eco-Regions: 5 – Northern Forests, 5.2 – Mixed Wood Shield, 5.2.3 – Algonquin/Southern Laurentians
Rarity Notes: Globally secure (G5) with national rank N5 in Canada. Ranked S5 in Ontario; not ranked in Quebec (SNR). No SARA or COSEWIC listing. Widespread and common across its range.
S22 G5, N5, no SARA listing
Rarity Ranks: QC SNR – Not Ranked, ON S5 – Secure
Migration: Stable
Ecological Context: A vigorous rhizomatous perennial of old fields, roadsides, meadows, pastures, stream banks, and open clearings. Thrives on disturbed ground and rapidly colonizes bare mineral soil. In the Ottawa-Gatineau region it is a common component of early-successional grassland communities, providing critical late-season nectar when few other native forbs are in bloom.
S4 habitat; S7 Michigan Flora habitats; S61 anthropogenic habitats, meadows and fields; S63 locally native

Roles: Fire Retardant, Fortress/Barrier, Insectary Plant, Nutrient Accumulator, Pollinator Attractor
S73/S29/S72 Evidence: Fire Retardant: S73 [MEDIUM]: S11 Fire Tolerance = High (not definitional)] | Fortress/Barrier: S61 keyword match: spines? (supporting signal only)] | Insectary Plant: S72 Hemenway (tables: appendix_a, pp. 186); S64 NPPBI 'beneficial insects' flag] | Nutrient Accumulator: S72 Hemenway (tables: appendix_a, pp. 186)] | Pollinator Attractor: S73 [HIGH]: S64 Xerces listed (source-classified)]
Notes: Functions as an insectary plant attracting beneficial predatory insects (ladybirds, lacewings, hoverflies) that control aphids and other pests. Also serves as a nutrient accumulator. Its aggressive rhizomatous spread should be managed in guild plantings; consider physical barriers or placement at guild edges. A greedy plant that can impoverish soil if not managed.
S72 insectary + nutrient accumulator; S29 PFAF beneficial insects, greedy plant note

Category: Analgesic, Antidiarrheal, Antiseptic, Astringent, Diuretic, Febrifuge, Styptic
S28 Moerman Drug categories; S29 PFAF medicinal uses; S36 Health Canada approved herbal name
Notes: Widely used in Indigenous medicine across North America. The Iroquois used root and flower infusions for pain, emesis, and liver complaints. The Zuni chewed crushed blossoms for sore throat and used infusions for body pain. Potawatomi and Okanagan-Colville peoples used flower infusions as a febrifuge. The Thompson applied decoctions as antidiarrheal baths and orthopedic steambaths. Health Canada classifies it as an approved herbal name (NHP). European herbal tradition uses it for urinary tract infections, cystitis, nephritis, and kidney stones. Contains saponins (antifungal), rutin (capillary fragility), and quercitin.
S28 Moerman 25 Drug uses; S29 PFAF medicinal detail; S36 Health Canada NHPID approved

✅ Edible

Foraging Notes: Seeds were used for food by the Gosiute and Navajo; roots were steeped or eaten by the Navajo Kayenta. Young leaves and flowering stems can be cooked. Seeds have been used as a thickener in soups, though they are very small and considered a survival food. A tea can be brewed from the flowers and/or leaves.
S28 Gosiute Food, Navajo Food; S29 PFAF edible parts: leaves, oil, seed