Goldenrod
HEX: #DAA520 | Modern Palette
Color Specifications
#DAA520
218, 165, 32
42°, 74% ,49%
0, 24, 85, 15
About Goldenrod
Goldenrod (#DAA520) is a color with RGB(218, 165, 32) and HSL(42.9°, 74.4%, 49%). It is commonly associated with Energetic moods. In design, it fits Vivid, Warm styles and is suitable for Text, Button, Accent. Its complementary color is #2055DA, which creates strong contrast. Its triadic palette includes #20DAA5 and #A520DA. The name comes from Goldenrod (English).
- HEX: #DAA520
- RGB: 218, 165, 32
- HSL: 42.9°, 74.4%, 49%
- Mood: Energetic
- Style: Vivid, Warm
- Use case: Text, Button, Accent
- Complementary color: #2055DA
- Triadic colors: #20DAA5, #A520DA
- The name comes from Goldenrod (English).
Live Components
Color Palettes
Color Harmonies
Complementary
The color directly opposite on the color wheel — creates maximum contrast and vibrance.
Analogous
Colors adjacent on the wheel — naturally harmonious and pleasing to the eye.
Triadic
Three colors equally spaced 120° apart — bold, balanced, and visually rich.
Split-Complementary
Two colors flanking the complement — high contrast with less tension than full complementary.
Tetradic (Square)
Four colors at 90° intervals — rich variety, best when one color dominates.
Monochromatic
Shades and tints of the same hue — cohesive, elegant, and easy to work with.
Shades & Tints
A seamless scale of #DAA520 from deepest shade to lightest tint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Name, History & Etymology
History
The name 'goldenrod' is a descriptive compound word, combining 'golden' (referring to the color of its flowers) and 'rod' (referring to its upright, often unbranched stem structure). The plant itself has a long history of use by indigenous peoples in North America for medicinal purposes, including treating inflammation, wounds, and respiratory issues. In Europe, some species were introduced and became naturalized. The color 'goldenrod' as a specific hue in art, fashion, or digital palettes is derived directly from the plant's characteristic flower color. It's a warm, muted yellow-orange.
First Recorded Use
The term 'goldenrod' for the plant genus Solidago appears to have become common in English botanical literature by the late 18th century. Earlier references might describe the plant without using this specific compound word.
Cultural Associations
Goldenrod is the state flower of Kentucky and Nebraska in the United States. Despite its vibrant appearance, it is often mistakenly blamed for hay fever due to its blooming at the same time as ragweed, which is the true culprit. Goldenrod pollen is heavy and sticky, designed for insect pollination, not wind dispersal. It is also a significant late-season nectar source for bees and other pollinators. In some cultures, it symbolizes encouragement or good fortune.
Code Snippets
/* Background */
.element {
background-color: #DAA520;
}
/* Text */
.element {
color: #DAA520;
}
/* Border */
.element {
border: 1px solid #DAA520;
}/* Linear gradient to complementary */
.element {
background: linear-gradient(
to right,
#DAA520,
#2055DA
);
}
/* Radial gradient */
.element {
background: radial-gradient(
circle,
#DAA520,
#2055DA
);
}// SCSS variable
$goldenrod: #DAA520;
// With RGB channels (useful for rgba() usage)
$goldenrod-r: 218;
$goldenrod-g: 165;
$goldenrod-b: 32;
// Usage
.element {
background-color: $goldenrod;
color: rgba($goldenrod-r, $goldenrod-g, $goldenrod-b, 0.8);
}