Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 5389058

Tall Goldenrod

Solidago altissima

Also known as Late Goldenrod, Canada Goldenrod Subspecies

Tall goldenrod dominates autumn landscapes with dense, pyramid-shaped clusters of tiny golden-yellow flower heads. Spreading vigorously through underground rhizomes, a single plant rapidly forms extensive clonal patches in sunny fields and disturbed soils. These late-season blooms provide a critical nectar reservoir for migrating monarch butterflies, native bees, and overwintering wasps.

Late BloomerPollinator MagnetPerennial
Tall Goldenrod reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Goldenrod Gall Fly
  • Goldenrod Leaf Beetle
  • White-Tailed Deer
ThreatsHerbicide spraying, intensive lawn mowing, agricultural development
HabitatsFields, roadsides, meadows, prairies, open woods, disturbed soil
Life spanPerennial (rhizome colonies survive for decades)
Classification
  1. OrderAsterales
  2. FamilyAsteraceae
  3. GenusSolidago
  4. SpeciesSolidago altissima
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Look for Stem Galls: Inspect lower stems in late summer for swollen ball galls crafted by gall fly larvae.
  • Observe Pollinators: Stand near flowering stands on sunny autumn afternoons to watch dozens of feeding bee and wasp species.
  • Distinguish from Ragweed: Notice the showy, insect-pollinated yellow plumes, which differ from ragweed's dull, wind-pollinated green spikes.
Related species
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