Solidago gigantea Aiton

Giant Goldenrod

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

<p><strong>Giant Goldenrod</strong> is a native perennial in the <strong>Sunflower Family</strong> (<strong>ASTERACEAE</strong>). It occurs statewide in Alabama. <strong>Giant Goldenrod</strong> grows along streams, in wet ditches, in bogs, and in seeps. It is a perennial with short rhizomes. Stems are solitary or in small clusters. Stems are unbranched or branched near the top, and 5-7 feet tall. The stems are glabrous and glaucous. Leaves are alternate, sessile, lanceolate in outline, with serrate margins. The leaves are glabrous and have 3 prominent veins. Flowers are produced in heads. The heads are arranged in a secund pyramid shaped paniculiform array at the stem apex. Ray flowers are 9-15 and yellow in color. The disc flowers are yellow. The fruit is an achene. <strong>Giant Goldenrod</strong> is one of our first species of <strong>Goldenrod</strong> to flower. The early flowering time along with its large size and wetland habitat make this species fairly easy to identify. <strong>Giant Goldenrod</strong> provides food for the caterpillars of many Noctuid, Geometer, Tortricid, and Gelechiid moths. Various species feed on the flowers, developing seeds, pith of stems, and roots. <strong>Goldenrod</strong> flowers are also attractive to a wide range of insects, including many bees and butterflies. <strong>Giant Goldenrod</strong> is available from some nurseries that sell native plants. It can also be grown from seed. <strong>Giant Goldenrod</strong> prefers full sun and a moist or wet loamy soil. Plants many have to be staked to keep them upright. <strong>Goldenrod</strong> has been wrongly associated with allergies. Goldenrods are insect pollinated and have heavy, sticky pollen. Allergies are caused by pollen from wind pollinated species such as <strong>Ragweed</strong> and <strong>Marsh Elder</strong>. These species often grow in the same locations as Goldenrods but go unnoticed due to their inconspicuous flowers.--<em>A. Diamond</em></p>

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Native FACW (NWPL)

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