A late-summer native that supports more pollinator species than nearly any other plant — over 100 species of bees and butterflies depend on goldenrod nectar in fall. Wrongly blamed for hayfever (the actual culprit is wind-pollinated ragweed blooming at the same time).
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
Solidago altissima, the tall goldenrod or late goldenrod, is a North American species of goldenrod in the family Asteraceae which is widespread across much of Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico. It is common in much of its range and fairly tolerant of landscapes which have been disturbed by humans. It has become naturalized in many parts of the world.
Source: Wikipedia — Solidago altissima Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Tall plant with lance-shaped leaves alternately arranged; brilliant yellow plume-shaped flower clusters in late summer through fall.
Similar species. Other Solidago species (subtle differences in leaf shape, flower arrangement, range). Yellow ragweed (different leaf shape, less showy).
Voice. N/A
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. N/A — photosynthesis
Behavior. One of ~125 native US Solidago species. Long, unfairly blamed for hay fever — goldenrod pollen is sticky and insect-dispersed, not wind-dispersed; the actual culprit is ragweed (Ambrosia), which blooms simultaneously. Goldenrods are among the most important late-summer/fall nectar plants for native bees, migrating monarchs, and other pollinators. Hosts 100+ specialist insect species.
§ Range
Throughout most of the continental US
§ Habitat
Old fields, prairies, roadsides, meadows
§ Threats
Mowing of roadside populations, herbicide treatment of "weeds," loss of meadows.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the tall goldenrod is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Stop mowing fall meadows. Plant native goldenrod (NOT the invasive Solidago canadensis if outside its range). Tolerate goldenrod as a pollinator powerhouse.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Solidago altissima
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Solidago altissima
- iNaturalist · taxon 52037
- IUCN Red List — search for Solidago altissima
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Solidago altissima
§ Sources cited
- USDA Plants Database
- Xerces Society Goldenrods for Pollinators
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
- Doug Tallamy Native Plants research
