Solidago speciosa Nutt.

Scientific Name and Common Name

Solidago speciosa, commonly known as showy goldenrod, is a North American flowering species belonging to the Asteraceae family.

Distribution Range

Its distribution includes the Canadian province of Ontario in central Canada, and the eastern and central United States. In the U.S., it ranges from the Atlantic coast westward to the Great Plains, occurring from Maine to Georgia (with the exception of Delaware), and extending west to Texas, Nebraska, and the Dakotas.

Growth Form and Size

Solidago speciosa is a perennial herb that can grow up to 200 cm (80 inches, over 6 feet) tall, and forms a thick underground caudex.

Stem and Flower Characteristics

A single plant can produce up to 5 stems, each of which bears up to 300 small yellow flower heads.

Recognized Varieties

Two varieties are recognized: Solidago speciosa var. rigidiuscula Torr. & A.Gray, which is found mostly in the western portions of the species' overall range, and Solidago speciosa var. speciosa, which occurs mostly in the eastern portions of the range.