Canada goldenrod

Solidago altissima L.

Canada goldenrod, also called tall goldenrod, is a herbaceous perennial that spreads through creeping rhizomes. Its upright shoots can gather into dense colonies, especially on disturbed ground. The many small yellow flower heads form broad, plume-like displays above the leaves. NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Solidago altissima

Botanical name

Kew accepts Solidago altissima L. in Asteraceae. The database common name Canada goldenrod is retained; the accepted scientific identity is Solidago altissima. Kew Plants of the World Online: Solidago altissima

Recognizing the plant

The narrow, alternate leaves have toothed margins, rough upper surfaces and softly hairy undersides. Short hairs also roughen the stems. Each tiny flower head contains both yellow ray florets and central disc florets. The dry, ribbed fruits carry a tuft of fine bristles that assists wind dispersal. South Dakota State University, Native Plant Research: Solidago altissima

Bloom window

North Carolina, United States

North Carolina Extension gives a flowering season from August into November. An individual plant typically flowers for about three weeks within that broader seasonal window. NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Solidago altissima

Native range

The native range extends from Canada through the United States into Mexico. Kew records introduced populations in places including Japan, Korea, southeastern China and Germany, distinguishing those occurrences from the species’ North American home. Kew Plants of the World Online: Solidago altissima

Ecological relationships

It is a larval host for the wavy-lined emerald moth, Synchlora aerata. NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Solidago altissima

Dead, hollow stems provide nesting sites for native stem-nesting bees after the flowering shoots have died. NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Solidago altissima

Botanical sources

Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.