These goldenrods are native to eastern North America. For a comparison chart of some of the varieties of goldenrods, see
Solidago.
Identification: Plants are 2-4′ (60-121 cm) tall, usually unbranched. Stems tend to be mildly zig-zagged in shape, light green, and mostly smooth. Leaves
are alternate, oval, with coarse teeth, 2-5″ (5-12 cm) × 1-4″ (2.5-10 cm).
Leaf petioles (stems)
are ¼-1½″ (6.3-38 mm) long. The leaves
narrow quickly at the base, leaving little "wings" on the petiole.
In addition to a flowerhead at the tip of the stem, which is up to
5″ (12 cm) long, there are smaller
racemes along the upper portion of the stem. Individual flowers are about ¼″ (6.3 mm) around.
Blooms from July to October.
Most goldenrods need a lot of sun, but these tolerate
partial sun or shade.