Giant Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea) vs. Early Goldenrod (Solidago juncea)
Updated February 7th, 2025These two goldenrods are sometimes confused, as both tend to bloom earlier and have relatively smooth stems and foliage. Both occur in sun to partial shade, but they otherwise have little habitat overlap. They are usually easily distinguished by growth habit, and they have numerous other differences. S. gigantea ranges much farther west and south, is more restricted to moist sites with richer soil, tolerates flooding and poor drainage, and is more competitive against tall herbaceous vegetation. S. juncea prefers drier sites where competing vegetation is sparser, and is more demanding of good drainage.
