State Noxious Weed List -No

Growth form: Perennial herb with single or clustered stems which grow to a height of 1 to 3 or more feet. Leaves are alternate, lanceolate, usually rigid with three main veins easily identified on the underside of the leaf. The leaves can be entire or serrated depending on the species. Numerous yellow-rayed flowers occur in showy clusters from late-summer until frost.

At least 12 species occur in the region with numerous subspecies which can be difficult to distinguish. The more common species include Missouri or Prairie goldenrod (S. missouriensis Nutt.), Canada goldenrod (S. canadensis L.), and rigid goldenrod (S. rigida L.).

Goldenrod is a native plant with some medicinal properties. Since goldenrod flowers during the peak of the allergy season, it is often misidentified as ragweed.