Summer 2025

Goldenrod (Solidago) is a striking California native perennial that’s easy to grow in sunny gardens. A member of the Asteraceae (sunflower) family, it is recognizable by its masses of bright yellow flowers that bloom profusely in late summer and fall. The cheery blooms are a delight in the garden as many other perennials are fading this time of year. 

A word of caution

Some gardeners find that goldenrod is too much of a good thing. Why? Because it tends to creep. It does this in two ways: by underground rhizomes and by dispersing seeds after its blooms have died back. Your best strategy? If you plant Solidago, be sure to give it plenty of room to roam. To prevent spreading seeds, clip off the dried flowering stalks (and the dry foliage) after bloom.  

Many goldenrods to choose from 

There are a number of Solidago species and varieties -- some native to California and others native to nearby areas such as the southwest region of the US. All are relatively easy to grow and sport bright yellow flowers. Click here to see a handful of goldenrods. (Click on each photo to see more images and details.)

Solidago spotlight: four native species to consider for your garden

California goldenrod (Solidago velutina ssp. californica) grows fast and produces many showy flower spikes up to 5 feet tall. Birds and pollinating insects love this plant. It is found throughout California in open grassy places up to an elevation of 7,500 feet. It is a very garden-tolerant, easy plant that thrives in a variety of soil types in full sun to partial shade. It likes to be wet in winter and spring and dry in summer; however, it can tolerate some extra summer water. Be aware that California goldenrod may become invasive due to its ability to spread aggressively.

Threenerve goldenrod (Solidago velutina) is widespread in western North America. It is in almost every county in California. Threenerve goldenrod is winter dormant and is best used where a wild look is desired. The yellow-gold flowers in late summer are showy and attract a large number of insects as well as some birds. It grows at a moderate rate up to 3 feet tall. It requires little care and is not picky about soil, dry summers, or cold winters. It is visited by bats, bees, caterpillars, and butterflies. Photo: Flickr, Cecilia Alexander

Western goldenrod (Euthamia occidentalis), also called western goldentop, is a deciduous perennial native to most of the western states. It is most widespread in California where it is primarily found at elevations below 5,000 feet in damp areas along rivers and streams, irrigation ditches, meadows, tidal channels, and other wetlands. It is a spreading plant with thin, tall, branched stems with long, narrow, gray-green leaves. It typically grows 4 to 6 feet tall and can be used for erosion control and bank stabilization. This variety needs supplemental water in summer and must stay moist. It attracts bees and other pollinators. Photo: Flickr, Jonathan Coffin

Coast goldenrod (Solidago spathulata), also called dune goldenrod, is native to coastal regions of Oregon and California on sand dunes and hillsides overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It grows up to 20 inches tall and has a branching underground caudex (swollen woody stem or root). One plant can produce as many as 100 small yellow flower heads in a branching array. This species of Solidago is used as a groundcover or lawn alternative. Coast goldenrod is visited by bats, bees, caterpillars, and butterflies. Photo: Flickr, Steve Sullivan

Vine maple
Acer circinatum

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Vine maple is a California native deciduous tree or shrub that typically grows 10 to 20 feet tall. In sunny settings it grows bushy and upright, but in shadier locales it spreads and sprawls closer to the ground. Vine maples grow moderately slowly. They prefer moist, shady settings, but they also thrive in sun. As a result, they are seen both in the understory of taller forest trees as well as in open ground. These beauties grow in damp woods along streams from British Columbia to northern California, typically within 185 miles of the Pacific Ocean. 

Fantastic foliage

Fresh, new springtime foliage emerges with reddish tones and then morphs to a vibrant green as it matures. In fall, vine maples grown in the sun glow with brilliant red, orange, and yellow colors. There are a number of striking cultivars that exhibit beautiful foliage or eye-catching combinations of foliage and bark. ‘Pacific Fire’ has bright red stems that contrast magnificently against crisp green leaves. ‘Monroe’ has finely cut leaves that turn yellow to bright red. Dwarf cultivars include ‘Little Gem’ with particularly small leaves and ‘Sunglow’ with orange-peach tones in spring that fade to chartreuse in fall. Because of these highly desirable traits, these shrubs and trees are often used in place of Japanese maples. 

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Key to success: rich soil and regular water

Acer circinatum prefers slightly acidic soil amended with organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, as long as it’s well-draining. Water deeply after planting and provide regular water, especially during extra dry periods. Prune sparingly to maintain its naturally graceful shape. The best time to prune is in winter or very early spring. 

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JUNE 

Maintenance and prevention

• Check soil moisture and adjust the watering schedule on your irrigation controller accordingly. Water early in the day. Watch container plants which may need daily watering.
• Control powdery mildew, a fungus that likes dry summer conditions. Spray susceptible plants with a horticultural oil or biological fungicide.
• Use pot feet or boards to elevate containers sitting on hot pavement.
• Don’t forget to water houseplants as your attention focuses on the outdoors.
• Check for standing water to keep mosquitoes from breeding.
• Treat ponds with mosquito repellent.
• Turn compost and keep it as moist as a wrung-out sponge. Add garden waste, grass clippings, pruning material, and leaves so long as they are not diseased.
• Raise the cutting height of lawnmower 1 to 1.5 inches to help grass survive drought and heat (encourages deep roots and reduces water demand).
• Leave lawn clippings on the ground for nutrients and as a mulch layer. Learn more about lawn care. 

Planting and propagating

• Cut off spent flowers for continued bloom. (Consider leaving some for the birds.)
• Stake tall plants such as dahlias, gladiolus, and lilies as needed.
• Harvest blooming lavender to dry for indoor use.

Pests and weeds

• Monitor and control snails, slugs, and aphids.
• Use beneficial nematodes to manage grubs in your lawn.
• Keep an eye out for early signs of insect infestation - blast any you see with a garden hose.
• Set yellowjacket traps at the perimeter of the yard (not near eating areas) to discourage yellowjackets from visiting.

Feed and fertilize

• Make compost tea for a mild liquid fertilizer.
• Mulch shrubs and beds to conserve moisture.
• Fertilize roses and other summer-blooming plants, if needed, using an organic fertilizer.
• Use little or no fertilizer on herbs.
• Feed azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons with a balanced organic fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants monthly during the spring and summer.

Edibles

• Thin fruit trees.
• Thin fruit on apple trees.
• Protect summer fruit crops with netting or row cover.
• Plant beans, broccoli, chard, cucumbers, eggplant, ground cherries, melons, peppers, pumpkins, parsley, squash, tomatoes
• In cooler areas, plant cabbage, celery, lettuce, bunching onions, and peas.
• Learn more about crops to plant in June and other activities in the edible garden.

JULY

Maintenance and prevention

• Monitor soil moisture. The water requirements of plants peaks in July. Established perennials, shrubs, and trees need infrequent but deep watering. Container plants may need daily watering. Learn more about irrigation.
• Adjust watering schedules monthly, according to the weather and changing needs of your plants.
• Mulch garden and vegetable beds to protect them from summer heat, reduce watering needs, and keep the weeds down.
• Lightly fertilize summer growing succulents if needed, such as Agave and Echeveria. Learn more about caring for succulents. Cactus and succulents are drought tolerant, but many appreciate some water in very hot weather. Succulents may find full sun to be too strong in some locations, so provide them with some shade if they appear to be struggling.
• Drain standing water from saucers to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
• Treat ponds with mosquito repellent.
• Provide a water source such as a bird bath for thirsty birds and bees.
• Raise the cutting height of lawnmower 1 to 1.5 inches to help grass survive drought and heat (encourages deep roots and reduces water demand).
• Leave lawn clippings on the ground for nutrients and as a mulch layer. Learn more about lawn care.

Pests and weeds

• Control powdery mildew, a fungus that likes dry summer conditions. Spray susceptible plants with a horticultural oil or biological fungicide. Follow package directions.
• Monitor whiteflies — use sticky traps, thin out dense branches for air circulation, and use earth worm castings to discourage them. Using a reflective mulch or strips of foil will help repel them.
• Check shade shrubs for thrips.
• Check fuchsias for fuchsia mite. If found, cut back 6 inches beyond the infected site.
• Set yellowjacket traps at the perimeter of the yard (not near eating areas) to discourage yellowjackets from visiting.

Planting and propagating

• Pinch off spent flowers on perennials and annuals to encourage repeat bloom.
• Pinch back chrysanthemums to encourage branching and increased bloom. Leggy impatiens and coleus also benefit from being pinched back.
• Dig up and divide overcrowded bearded irises.
• Dig up overcrowded bulbs after the foliage dies. Store bulbs in a cool, dry place for replanting in fall.

Feed and fertilize

• Feed azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons with a balanced organic fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants.
• Feed container plants if needed, using an organic fertilizer.
• Feed citrus if needed, using an organic fertilizer.

Edibles

• Plant beans and summer squash.
• In cooler areas, plant broccoli, cabbage, chard, collard greens, kale, lettuce, bunching onions, and peas.
• Learn more about crops to plant in July and other activities in the edible garden.

Fire-smart Landscaping

• Move wood mulch 5 feet or more away from the perimeter of your home and any other structures on your property. Place non-combustible mulch in that area instead.
• Learn more about Fire-smart Landscaping.

AUGUST

Maintenance and prevention

• Monitor soil moisture. Established perennials, shrubs and trees need infrequent but deep watering. Container plants may need daily watering.
• Adjust watering schedules monthly, according to the weather and changing needs of your plants.
• Check mature plants to be sure they are not water-stressed. Your 30+ year old plants are valuable!
• Container plants may need daily watering, as soil in pots can dry out quickly and damage plant roots on hot summer days.
• Treat ponds with mosquito repellent and empty containers with standing water.
• Raise the cutting height of lawnmower 1 to 1.5 inches to help grass survive drought and heat (encourages deep roots and reduces water demand).
• Leave lawn clippings on the ground for nutrients and as a mulch layer.

Planting and propagating

• Choose drought tolerant plants that attract butterflies. Remember to plant some for nectar like Lantana (adults) and some for feeding like native milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis), Ceanothus, Buckwheat (Eriogonum), or dill (caterpillars). Note: do not plant milkweed if you are within 5 miles of the coast. Learn more about pollinators.

Cutting and pruning

• Prune hydrangeas after blooms fade.
• Pinch off spent flowers on perennials and annuals to encourage repeat bloom.
• Maintenance prune coniferous trees: yews, junipers, redwoods and cypress.

Pests and weeds

• Monitor for spider mites by looking for fine webbing on plants. Minimize the chance of infestation by rinsing dust and dirt off leaves with a spray of water.
• Set yellowjacket traps at the perimeter of the garden (not near eating areas) to discourage yellowjackets from visiting.

Feed and fertilize

• Feed azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons with a balanced organic fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants.
• Feed container plants if needed, using an organic fertilizer.
• Feed citrus if needed, using an organic fertilizer.

Edibles

• Plant broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, chard, and bunching onions.
• In cooler areas, plant collard greens, kale, lettuce, and peas.
• Learn more about crops to plant in August and other activities in the edible garden.

Fire-smart Landscaping

• Keep the landscape hydrated during hot, windy days, but don’t over water on Red Flag Days because it depletes water our fire departments need.
• Learn more about Fire-smart Landscaping.