Showy goldenrods are natives of North America. For a comparison chart of some of the varieties of goldenrods, see
Solidago.
Identification: Plants are 2-6′ (60-182 cm) high, usually a single,
unbranched stem that is usually reddish, sometimes green. Leaves are 6″ (15 cm) × 1½″ (3.8 cm), long and narrow ("lanceolate")
or somewhat wider at the center ("narrowly ovate"). Upper leaves are much smaller. Leaf edges are usually smooth and leaves are hairless.
Flowerheads are erect and upright, conical in shape, up to 1′ (30 cm) at the top of the stem, with tight clusters of tiny
yellow flowers. Each flower is about ¼″ (6.3 mm) across, and has 4-10 petals (ray florets) and a tiny
central disk flower. Flowers appear from August to October.