This native perennial grows to 6 feet and taller. The smooth stems are often purplish (C). The branches are usually arching due to the weight of its crowded clusters of yellow flowers (panicles). Differentiated from Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), our other common goldenrod, by its smooth, often purplish stem, which is usually arching. But these two goldenrods are not always that easy to tell apart. Compare also with images and descriptions of Prairie Goldenrod and Rigid Goldenrods, both present at Neale Woods.
Found on floodplains, along roads, fields and other sunny areas, flowering in August and September. In Fontenelle Forest, common along Stream Trail. At Neale Woods, uncommon along MRE Trail.
This is the Nebraska state flower. When the Omaha were on their summer buffalo hunt far away from their homes and fields and noted these goldenrods blooming, they knew that the corn back home was beginning to ripen as well.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.