Origin:
Over 150 species of goldenrod occur in North America, and some will be found in every state including Hawaii, throughout Canada and into Latin America and the West Indies. Many of the species are native plants in North America.
Biology:
The plants in this genus are perennials that reproduce from seeds and rhizomes. While a moist habitat is preferred by the plants they will occur in nearly any habitat, from turf to roadsides, nurseries, waste areas, fields and pastures and in ditches. Flowering occurs from mid-summer till late fall.
Identification:
The general appearance of the many species is very similar. Plants are erect and can be as tall as 6 to 7 feet. Large colonies will occur because of the growth from the spreading rhizomes. Each stem is unbranched until the flower heads. Leaves are alternate and lance-shaped with pointed tips, and attached to the stem without a stalk or on a very short stalk. At the top of the stem multiple small, lateral branches form the flower heads. These are dense clusters of bright yellow flowers, each individual flower within the cluster is very small, but contains the ray and disc flowers typical of the family.
Characteristicts Important to Control:
If the weed occurs in turf it is likely poorly maintained turf, and improving the growing conditions will be effective. Due to the vigorous underground rhizomes chemical control is done with a systemic herbicide. Physical removal is ineffective.
