Goldenrod is the official state flower of Kentucky — tall plumes of tiny golden blooms that light up fields in late summer.

• Official flower: Goldenrod
• Scientific name: Solidago
• Year adopted: 1926
• Native range: North America

About the goldenrod

Kentucky adopted goldenrod in 1926. More than thirty species grow in the state, and its arching sprays of bright yellow flowers are among the last of the season, blooming from late summer into autumn along roadsides and in open fields.

Where it grows

Goldenrod is native across North America and grows throughout Kentucky in fields, prairies, and roadsides, flowering in late summer and fall.

Kentucky state flower FAQs

What is the state flower of Kentucky?

Kentucky’s state flower is the goldenrod (Solidago), which it adopted in 1926.

When did Kentucky adopt its state flower?

Kentucky designated the goldenrod as its official state flower in 1926.

Does goldenrod cause hay fever?

No — that’s a common myth. Goldenrod’s heavy pollen is carried by insects, not wind; ragweed, which blooms at the same time, is the usual cause of hay fever.

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