giant goldenrod

Also known as Tall Goldenrod, Late Goldenrod, Smooth Goldenrod, Early Goldenrod

Giant goldenrod crowns damp meadows and stream banks with feathery, arching sprays of bright yellow blossoms throughout late summer and early autumn. Smooth, often purplish stems rise vigorously from spreading underground rhizomes, forming dense leafy colonies that provide vital late-season nectar for migrating monarch butterflies and native bees. While native across North America, this vigorous perennial has established persistent invasive populations across Europe and Asia by outcompeting local riverbank plants.