(Solidago gigantea)
Late Goldenrod

Late Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea)

Alternative Names

Tall Goldenrod, Smooth Goldenrod, Early Goldenrod, and Giant Goldenrod

Description of Late Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea)

Late Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea), a member of the Asteraceae (Aster Family), is a herbaceous perennial that grows 3 to 7 feet tall and has yellow flowers that bloom in the late summer and early fall from August (sometimes July) to October. The alternate, simple leaves are lanceolate in shape and have toothed margins. This plant grows in zones 3-8 and likes places with full sun to part shade that are at least seasonally moist.  More information about Giant Goldenrod can be found on this post.

Nectar Species

This plant is a pollinator for many insects.  Birds, such as the Eastern Goldfinch, eat the seeds, and some mammals eat the stems and leaves.  Goldenrods in general are one of the most important nectar plants in the fall.

Habitat

This goldenrod grows in wet places such as floodplain woods, thickets, and the edges of water bodies.

Range of Late Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea) in the United States and Canada

Interesting Facts

The genus name, Solidago, comes from the Latin for Solidus and ago and refers to the medicinal healing properties.  The species name, gigantea, refers to the size of the plant.  This goldenrod is the state flower of Nebraska.  This species has been introduced and invasive in Europe and Asia.