Showy Goldenrod

Solidago speciosa

Showy goldenrod earns its name. the erect, upright flower plumes are denser and more stiffly upright than most other goldenrods, giving it a refined, architectural presence in the fall garden. The gold is rich and saturated, and it holds its form well in wind and rain rather than flopping the way more aggressive species tend to. In full sun on a September afternoon, a grouping of showy goldenrod is one of the finest things you can grow. Like all goldenrods, it's a major late-season nectar and pollen source for monarchs, bees, and dozens of other insects. The seeds feed goldfinches and sparrows through winter. And unlike common goldenrod, showy goldenrod spreads slowly and stays in its lane rather than running aggressively.