Pest identification
What's eating my tall goldenrod?
Goldenrod gall fly (Eurosta solidaginis)
Signs: Distinctive round stem galls; larvae feed inside, weakening the stem and reducing flowering
Control: Cut out galls in late winter before adults emerge; destroy galls — do not compost
Goldenrod aphid (Uroleucon nigrotuberculatum)
Signs: Dense orange colonies on upper stems; sticky honeydew and sooty mold on foliage
Control: Insecticidal soap spray; natural enemies (ladybirds, parasitic wasps) usually regulate populations
Sawfly larvae
Signs: Notched leaf margins; defoliation of individual stems by gregarious larvae
Control: Handpick larvae; Bt or spinosad spray for heavy infestations
Keep tall goldenrod pest-free
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Tall Goldenrod pests — FAQ
What is eating my tall goldenrod?
Tall Goldenrod (Solidago altissima) hosts a large community of insects, many beneficial, but several are true pests. Goldenrod gall flies are the most visible threat, creating stem galls. Aphids cluster on shoots, and sawflies defoliate stems. Deer and rabbits rarely damage established plants but may browse young spring growth.
How do I get rid of goldenrod gall fly (eurosta solidaginis) on tall goldenrod?
Distinctive round stem galls; larvae feed inside, weakening the stem and reducing flowering Cut out galls in late winter before adults emerge; destroy galls — do not compost
How do I get rid of goldenrod aphid (uroleucon nigrotuberculatum) on tall goldenrod?
Dense orange colonies on upper stems; sticky honeydew and sooty mold on foliage Insecticidal soap spray; natural enemies (ladybirds, parasitic wasps) usually regulate populations
How do I get rid of sawfly larvae on tall goldenrod?
Notched leaf margins; defoliation of individual stems by gregarious larvae Handpick larvae; Bt or spinosad spray for heavy infestations