I have no idea on goldenrod stalks, but I dry various things that I hope to use, and then see if they have the needed flexibility and strength after they're soaked/rehydrated.
Some plants I use fresh, but the shrinkage can loosen the baskets, so I am moving towards dry materials.
I live near the ocean, where some people use kelp.
Some things work and some don't, and it's easy enough to let them dry and try them out. I have had good success with morning glory vines and bermuda grass and iris leaves. I have failed with sweet flag and some things I can't remember. And some things you can make twine with, and then weave with the twine, though they're not strong enough by the single strand.
Of
course partly it depends on what your basket is intended for, and so how strong it has to be, and your weaving techniqes. Maybe you'll invent something, or revive something forgotten.