Solidago Species, Tall Goldenrod, Canada Goldenrod, Late Goldenrod

Solidago altissima is called the Tall Goldenrod by other sources as "A Field Guide to Wildflowers" by Peterson & McKenny. It is a wonderf...Read Moreul wild forb for many pollinating insects in late summer to mid-autumn. It is one of the goldenrods with plume-like flower inflorescences and long, narrow parallel-veined leaves extremely similar to the Canada, Sweet, and Tall Goldenrods. This one has leaves with a rough texture and downy grayish stems with slightly toothed leaf margins.

Goldenrod was once Alabama's state flower before being replaced by the camellia. I dug several clumps from the hillside behind my house &...Read More planted them along the back fence & now they are firmly established & bloom in profusion every September!

I try to educate people who claim this plant is the source of their hay-fever. Ragweed is the culprit but since it blooms at the same time as goldenrod & its flowers are inconspicuous, people assume that goldenrod is what makes them sneeze.

Living in the country, we see Solidago altissima every
fall. The color is simply brilliant!

However, this is not n...Read Moreecessarily a plant one would desire
in a formal garden. Indeed it is a wildflower and should
be respected as such.

This particular Goldenrod is not favored by our honey
bees, who pass by without giving altissima a second
sniff.

Don't plant it where you don't want it, because it will
be here to stay once you do.