Tall Goldenrod vs Canada Goldenrod
This guide is under construction and has not been published yet. It may have errors. When in doubt, double-check other sources for definitive ID.These two species are visually similar, and can be devilishly hard to tell apart where their ranges overlap. S. altissima ranges much farther south and west.
Tall Goldenrod (Solidago altissima) | Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) |
One of the most common, and tallest of the goldenrods, native to a wide range across North America. | One of the most common and widespread goldenrods of northeastern North America. Inconsistencies in the reported range of this species reflect the fact that some authorities include the widely-distributed S. altissima as a subspecies whereas others treat it as a separate species. Even the USDA's own range maps reflect this inconsistency, sometimes on a state-by-state basis, reflecting different standards used in the data reported by different states.
BONAP has more consistent range maps for both species, reflecting the treatment of each as distinct species. |
 Stems may have large, conspicuous galls on them. If you see such a gall, you can know it is this species. Photo © Andrew Sebastian, CC BY 4.0. | Stems never have galls. |
 Leaves average less conspicuously toothed, with minute, barely-visible teeth, and teeth often confined to the half of the leaf closest to the tip and absent or greatly reduced in the base half. Occasionally leaves may lack teeth entirely. Photo © Cole Shoemaker, CC BY 4.0. |  Leaves average more conspicuously toothed. Photo © Eric Lamb, CC BY 4.0. |
References & External Resources
These short lists show only links helpful for ID. For a complete list of references and resources also covering other aspects of ecology, visit the links section of the full article on each plant, which is the first entry here.
