GOLDENRODS are powerhouses—keystone plants that serve as hosts for more than 100 species of butterflies and moths, and as rich, late-season sources of pollen and nectar for countless beneficial insects. As if that were not enough, they also produce seed that supports various birds. Now Mt. Cuba Center, the native plant garden and research institution in Delaware, has published the results of its three-year trial of 70 different goldenrods—and their manager of horticultural research, Sam Hoadley, detailed for me what they learned about the best goldenrods (like Solidago sphacelata, above) and how to use them in your garden. Sam is the Manager of Horticultural Research at Mt. Cuba Center, where he evaluates native plant species, old and new cultivars, and hybrids in the famed Mt. Cuba Trial Garden. I always look forward to our conversations and to getting his first-hand insights into each genus they explore there, and Sam will also be presenting a virtual class on goldenrod Feb. 18 at 6:00-7:30 PM (information on that is here on the Mt. Cuba website). Read along as you listen to the Feb. 2, 2026 edition of my public-radio show and podcast using the player below. You can subscribe to all future […]

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