Solidago gigantea

Giant Goldenrod is a native perennial in the Sunflower Family (ASTERACEAE). It occurs statewide in Alabama. Giant Goldenrod 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. Giant Goldenrod is one of our first species of Goldenrod to flower. The early flowering time along with its large size and wetland habitat make this species fairly easy to identify. Giant Goldenrod 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. Goldenrod flowers are also attractive to a wide range of insects, including many bees and butterflies. Giant Goldenrod is available from some nurseries that sell native plants. It can also be grown from seed. Giant Goldenrod prefers full sun and a moist or wet loamy soil. Plants many have to be staked to keep them upright. Goldenrod 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 Ragweed and Marsh Elder. These species often grow in the same locations as Goldenrods but go unnoticed due to their inconspicuous flowers.--A. Diamond